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Praying Over Our Food Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: As believers, we often overlook the importance of praying over our food before we eat.
As believers, we often overlook the importance of praying over our food before we eat. However, the Bible provides numerous reasons why we should make this a regular practice.
1. Giving Thanks (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
"Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."
This verse reminds us that we should give thanks to God for the food we eat, and that prayer is a way of making our food holy.
2. Sanctifying Our Food (1 Corinthians 10:31)
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
By praying over our food, we are sanctifying it and making it a part of our worship to God.
3. Protection from Harm (Matthew 14:19)
"And he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds."
Jesus prayed over the food before feeding the crowds, demonstrating the importance of praying over our food for protection from harm.
4. Recognizing God's Provision (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
"Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
Praying over our food helps us recognize God's provision and remember that He is the one who gives us the power to obtain wealth.
5. Expressing Gratitude (Psalm 100:4-5)
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Praying over our food is an expression of gratitude to God for His goodness and provision.
6. Making Our Food a Sacrifice (Romans 14:6)
"The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God."
By praying over our food, we are making it a sacrifice to God, honoring Him with our gratitude.
7. Inviting God to the Table (Luke 24:30-31)
"When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him."
Praying over our food invites God to the table, acknowledging His presence and provision.
8. Seeking God's Blessing (Proverbs 10:22)
"The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."
By praying over our food, we are seeking God's blessing on our lives, asking Him to add His favor and provision.
9. Protecting Our Health (Proverbs 23:2)
"And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite."
Praying over our food can also protect our health, asking God to guide us in our eating habits and protect us from overindulgence.
10. Glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Ultimately, praying over our food is a way of glorifying God, acknowledging His provision and goodness in our lives.
Conclusion
Praying over our food is a vital part of our Christian walk. By doing so, we are giving thanks, sanctifying our food, seeking protection, recognizing God's provision, expressing gratitude, making our food a sacrifice, inviting God to the table, seeking God's blessing, protecting our health, and glorifying God. Let us make praying over our food a regular practice, honoring God and acknowledging His goodness in our lives.