Ten Reasons Why Families Who Say Grace Are Happier
“Mom, I think saying grace makes the food taste better,” my daughter said to me the other day. “That’s probably not very scientific,” she went on to say, “but maybe it’s because when I do say grace it’s because I’m with people I love.” Then she thought a minute and said, “I have to start doing that when I’m by myself and see what happens!”
What do you think? Do you find that saying a prayer of thanks before a meal brings a sense of harmony or calmness to the table? Saying Grace before a meal does have many benefits—if it could be bottled or put in pill form, it’d be a best seller!
A 2013 Welch’s Kitchen Table Report says most families eat dinner together most nights of the week. There are many reasons that a heartfelt prayer before a meal nourishes the heart, mind and soul, as well as the tummy. Here’s why:
- It turns out that studies do show that saying grace with people you love—or even by yourself—shifts your attitude and that does make food taste better.
Ever have a good food experience when you’re sad or angry? Probably not. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:32)
- Saying Grace means that—at least once every day—you acknowledge the presence of God in your life.
Thanking God is a great way to develop a relationship with him, and he is just waiting for you to ask him into your heart. “I am knocking at your door,” he says. “Just waiting for you to let me in.” (Matthew 7:7) Can’t you hear him say, “Let the miracles begin?”
- Saying grace means that you take time to think of others, because a grace usually includes a request to watch over someone or a praise for a blessing.
Let’s face it, the world of the young is self-centered by definition. Thinking of others helps in the character building process. How well we relate to each other is critical in the development of all God’s children and our ability to carry out His will. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that the fruit of [having] the Spirit [within you] is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- Saying grace together promotes benefits such as family bonding and greater accountability.
When you share you get more than the stock yes, no, or ho-hum answer. And because your understanding of each other grows when you talk to each other, the better equipped you become to meet each other’s needs. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
The Bible tells us to be ready to season our conversation with salt (Colossians 4:6). That means we should be ready to act with grace, kindness, and be not quick to judge. Saying Grace provides opportunities to practice these things with each other.
Did you know that the more grateful you are the happier, healthier, kinder, and more likable you are—and the better you sleep? “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
- Saying grace demonstrates how the act of praying together lifts one’s own spirit; fosters praise; and increases mutual feelings of appreciation.
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face.” (Proverbs 15:13(a))
- Saying grace reminds us that our food, as well as God’s countless other daily blessings, is a gift.
“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2)
We don’t need to ask him to be with us; we need to be more mindful that he is always with us. Saying grace is another reminder of that. “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20(b)
- Saying grace, whether by yourself, or with your family, sows the seeds of a thankful attitude.
Being thankful fosters an attitude of wanting to make the world a better place and to give to others. It may seem an odd idea at first, but the more you give the more you get. God provides when you trust in Him. “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)
Mealtime is the hub of family life. Prayer is the foundation of a Christian home. Those who eat together, and make their time together more than just about food, are happier, healthier, and more loving. Those who add a warm and loving grace know exactly what I’m talking about.
It’s not that adding a prayer of thanks is a cure for everything or in itself creates a life full of joy. (It certainly won’t stop siblings from arguing.) By making grace a part of your family mealtime, however, you open the door to possibilities unimagined. Regular family prayer heals, protects, strengthens family ties, teaches forgiveness, builds unity and brings the family closer together.
“If you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon (John 15:7).”
Some people think the meal is not complete without dessert. Perhaps we’d all be better off if we made grace our dessert and adopted Garfield the cat’s motto: Eat Dessert First!
Scripture taken from the English Standard Version (ESV)