Does Praying Before Meals Have Wellness Benefits?
We've all heard the verse, "In everything give thanks," and that includes thanking the Lord for the food we eat. Could there actually be more to this practice than simply following the Lord's example and acknowledging His provision though? You've come to the right place to find out! In today's blog, Gabby Terry sheds light on yet another way in which biology is tied to the Scriptures.
Growing up in a Christian household, I was taught to pray and show gratitude to God before eating. If it was a holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, I usually got comfortable because I knew that prayer would be a long one! But why do we have the tradition of praying before meals?
In Scripture, Jesus gave us the model of prayer before eating. He “gave thanks” in two instances where He miraculously fed crowds with meager provisions. Firstly, He fed 5,000 men, plus women and children, with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13–21). Later, He fed over 4,000 with seven loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:32–38). During the Last Supper with His disciples, He continued this pattern by giving thanks as He distributed bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood (Matthew 26: 20–29). Even after His resurrection, when dining with two men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus paused to offer thanks before breaking bread and sharing it with them.
Illustration by Melani Pyke
The apostle Paul also practiced praying before meals, as seen in Acts 27. During a harrowing experience at sea with 276 others amidst a fierce storm, Paul, after fourteen days of fasting, encouraged everyone to eat for survival. Demonstrating his faith, he publicly thanked God before breaking bread despite their perilous situation (Acts 27:35). How many times have we blown off prayer because of minor distractions?
When we express gratitude to God for supplying. our daily sustenance, we recognize that all blessings originate from Him.
Ephesians 5:20
[G]iving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:36
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
He is the ultimate provider of all our needs, and establishing the habit of praying before meals reminds us of this fundamental truth. Offering thanks before eating with a heart full of gratitude glorifies God and directs our thoughts to His immense love for His children and the abundant blessings He grants to those who are His own.
There are also scientific reasons as to why we should pray before eating a meal as well! Our body functions best when we allow it to focus on the task at hand. Being distracted while we eat can actually disrupt the digestive process. However, when we take a moment to express gratitude to God and put away all other distractions, our nervous system calms down and our body is better prepared to receive food for digestion. When the body can properly digest its food, it utilizes the nutrients more efficiently and supports hormone production and our metabolism. Remaining in a state of gratitude while we eat can also help us to eat slower (another digestion booster) and to better enjoy the conversation with friends and family at the table. God knew exactly what He was doing when He designed our bodies, and by following this tradition, we can take control of our health and well-being.
When we take a moment to express gratitude to God and put away all other distractions, our nervous system calms down and our body is better prepared to receive food for digestion.
Next time you sit down for a meal, remind yourself to pause and give thanks to the Lord, not only for His glory but also for the extra health benefits! By continuing this tradition, we honor our faith and deepen our spiritual connection with God.
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