It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 136:23-26
As you enjoy Thanksgiving Day, here are 10 table graces that you can use to bless the meal. Use them to thank God today - or every day. God bless you!
Traditional Table Grace
Bless, O Lord, this food to our use,
and us to thy service,
and make us ever mindful
of the needs of others. Amen.
Traditional Table Grace
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts
which we are about to receive from thy bounty,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Traditional Blessing
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest,
Let these thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen.
Traditional Table Prayer
Be present at our table, Lord;
be here and everywhere adored.
Bless these thy gifts and grant that we
may feast in fellowship with thee. Amen.
Thanksgiving Prayer from “We Thank Thee” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
For this new morning with its light,
Father, we thank thee.
For rest and shelter of the night,
Father, we thank thee
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven, we thank thee. Amen.
Thanksgiving Prayer for Harvest Time
Loving God, all that we have
comes from your goodness
and the work of those who love us.
Bless us and the food we share.
Watch over those who care for us.
Open our eyes to the needs of the poor
during this time of harvest and thanksgiving.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Elizabeth McMahon Jeep, Blessings and Prayers through the Year, Liturgy Training Publications 2004)
A Word of Thanks
For health and strength and daily food;
for all the joys that make life worth living;
for the opportunity to help those
who need us so very much,
we give you thanks, O God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Alexander Campbell, Pilgrim Prayers for Mealtime, Pilgrim Press 2013)
Thanksgiving Prayer “That We May be Renewed”
Loving God,
bless our food and drink
our friendship and our laughter
that we may be renewed
in body, mind, and spirit
to work together
for the coming of your kingdom
of justice, love, and peace. Amen.
(Maureen Edwards, printed in Blessed be our Table, Wild Goose 2003)
The Hand that Made the Hands
For the hands that tilled,
for the hands that harvested,
for the hands that processed,
for the hands that transported,
for the hands that stocked,
for the hands that sold,
for the hands that bought,
for the hands that prepared,
for the hands that will hold,
for the hand that made the hands,
our hearts are forever grateful. Amen.
(Ewan Aitken, printed in Blessed be our Table, Wild Goose 2003)
A Scottish Grace
Praise to God who giveth meat.
Convenient unto all who eat.
Praise for tea and buttered toast,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
(Saying Grace, Chronicle Books 2003)
