The tradition of praying before meals is observed across cultures and communities around the world. What is really surprising is the common thread that binds them together.
In Short
- Saying a prayer before meals holds various meanings for individuals and across religious communities
- Ther tradition is followed in Christianity, Hinduism, Islamic and Buddhist cultures
- Regardless of cultural or religious nuances, this practice serves as a universal note of thanks to the higher power
While keeping up with our fast-paced life, we tend to forget ‘the little things’ that keep us bonded with our culture and family.
Something as simple as eating together has become a rare affair. If you ponder on those ‘little things’ that we have missed out while on a quest to accomplish our dreams, the list will be endless. However, one memory that remains vivid in my mind is saying a small prayer before meals.
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Flashback
Growing up in a Hindu household, I watched my grandfather sit down for his meals (no fancy dining tables but a rug on the floor) and before digging in, he would mumble a small prayer. He would also pour drops of water from his glass outside his plate along with some grains of rice before eating.
One day, I walked up to him with an innocent question just before he was about to begin his meal.
“Why did you do that?” I asked.
He looked at me, smiled and said, “It’s an offering to God. As a sign of gratitude, I offer him food from my plate and say a small prayer. After all, he takes care of it all, doesn’t he?”
Not just in the Hindu tradition; saying a prayer is a custom followed across different communities and religions around the globe.
Saying grace before a meal
In Christianity specifically, the prayer before meals is often referred to as “saying grace”. The word “grace” in this context encapsulates a sense of gratitude and acknowledgement of food and provision of sustenance.
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The Islamic tradition of dua before meals
In the Islamic tradition, it’s a common practice to begin meals by reciting the phrase “Bismillah“, which translates to “In the name of Allah”.
This ritual serves as a reminder to express gratitude and seek blessings from Allah for the food.
Before the meal, dua recognises that all provisions come from a higher source, fostering a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the nourishment provided.
Prayer before meals in Judaism
The tradition of reciting a prayer, or “brachot” plays a significant role in Jewish religious and cultural practices. These blessings are expressions of gratitude and acknowledgement of God’s role in various aspects of life.
NOTE – This article was originally published in indiatoday and can be viewed here
