A Grace in 3 Parts
Before the eating begins, gather everyone around the table to say grace. This grace is to remember and give thanks for God's provision in our lives. And to pray for God's hand to be on others.
The grace has been split into 3 parts to be read out by different people. Invite some of your guests to read it aloud for everyone.
Recognise our dependence on God for our sustenance and existence
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together on this blessed day to gather in your name. Thank you for your faithfulness in providing for us and sustaining us. As we eat this meal, we want to remember and give thanks for the birth of Jesus, the only person who can satisfy and fulfill our needs. We hold onto you, our rock and our salvation as the basis for all that we do.
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Gratitude for good things amid difficult seasons
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Lord, for some, it has been a difficult year, but because you are Emmanuel, God with us, we do not need to lose heart. Thank you for seeing us through the trials and triumphs of this year. Thank you also for blessings big and small that remind us of your faithfulness. Because Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of so many prophecies made long ago, we can trust you and believe your promises to us. You give us strength to persevere and hold onto you. We look forward to the fulfillment of the promises you have made about our future - the day we can feast with you in heaven.
For others’ daily bread, to remember God’s heart for the poor, less privileged
As we eat, Lord, we want to remember people who cannot be with loved ones this Christmas and those who are struggling to get by. Please watch over and comfort them, that they may know how much you love them. By being born in humble circumstances, Jesus identified with the lowly and the least. Teach us also how to obey your commands to love the less privileged as you do, that we may be your blessing to others around us.
Thank you for the food that you have provided and the hands that prepared it. May the food nourish and fill our bellies and may we have good conversations that fill our hearts.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!