Praying Something Big: Recognizing God's Greatness and Goodness Before You Eat

Pray Something Big Before You Eat

Have you ever wondered what prayer to say before you eat together as a family? The traditional chorus of "God is good, God is great, and we thank him for this food" is well-known, but let's dive deeper into the significance of our prayer.

Recognizing the Greatness of God

When we gather around the table, it's important to remember the greatness of God. He is not just good, but great beyond our wildest imaginations. The Bible tells us that God is the creator of the universe, the ruler of all things, and the one who holds everything together.

Psalm 145:3 says, "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." This verse reminds us that God's greatness is beyond our comprehension. As we sit down to eat, we can acknowledge his majesty and power.

Reflecting on God's Goodness

While recognizing God's greatness, we should also reflect on his goodness. God's goodness is not just a generic attribute; it is a characteristic that extends to every aspect of his nature and actions.

One of the most well-known verses about God's goodness is found in Psalm 34:8: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." This verse invites us to experience God's goodness personally. When we pray before a meal, we can express our gratitude for the provision of food and recognize that it is a tangible expression of God's goodness towards us.

Expanding Our Prayer

While the familiar chorus is a good starting point, we can also expand our prayer to include specific requests and expressions of thanksgiving. Instead of simply saying, "God is good, God is great," we can pray something bigger.

Thanksgiving for God's Provision

We can thank God for providing the food on our table. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus reminds us that God takes care of the birds of the air, and we are of much more value to him. We can express our gratitude for his faithfulness in providing for our physical needs.

Praying for Spiritual Nourishment

As we eat, we can also pray for spiritual nourishment. Just as our bodies need food, our souls need to be fed with the Word of God. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." We can ask God to open our hearts and minds to receive his truth and allow it to transform us.

Praying for Unity and Fellowship

Mealtime is an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy each other's company. We can pray for unity and fellowship among our loved ones. In Psalm 133:1, it says, "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" We can ask God to strengthen our relationships and help us grow in love and understanding.

Conclusion

When we pray before a meal, let's remember to recognize the greatness of God and reflect on his goodness. We can expand our prayer to include thanksgiving for his provision, prayers for spiritual nourishment, and requests for unity and fellowship. Let our mealtime prayers be an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and with one another.