Mealtime Prayer
Prayers Before and After Meals
Short prayers read before and after meals — the blessing of food and thanksgiving to God.
Table Prayers
Note: In the Serbian Orthodox tradition, these prayers are read aloud by the head of the household or the eldest person present, and those at table respond “Amen.” The prayers are traditionally said in Church Slavonic (Serbian recension) at formal meals and feast days; the Serbian vernacular or English versions are commonly used at home.
Before the Meal
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Or, the shorter blessing:
O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, bless this food and drink for us through the prayers of Thy most holy Mother and all Thy saints, for Thou art blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
After the Meal
We thank Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thy earthly gifts. Deprive us not of Thy Heavenly Kingdom; but as Thou didst come into the midst of Thy disciples, O Saviour, and gavest them peace, come also among us and save us. Amen.
Or, the shorter thanksgiving:
We give Thee thanks, O Christ our God, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thy earthly gifts. Deprive us not of Thy Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.
During Fasting Periods
We give Thee thanks, O Lord, for Thou hast granted us this Lenten table. Keep us that we may fast also in thoughts, and heart, and deeds — according to Thy will. Amen.
Note: In the Orthodox tradition, every meal begins and ends with prayer. The head of household (or the eldest person present) reads the prayer aloud, and those at table respond “Amen.”