Table Blessings: Father Matthew Presents

What are some good Table Blessings? Join the Episcopal priest, the Rev. Matthew Moretz, on a picnic as he presents some of his favorite table blessings, or prayers that one says before any meal. The picnic includes his friends, Regina and Beauregard. This piece is part of the "Father Matthew Presents" series, which shares the treasures of Christianity one video at a time.

Bless, O Lord, this food to our bodies and our bodies to thy service, and make us ever mindful of, and responsive to, the needs of others; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Be present at our table Lord, be here and everywhere adored, thy people bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee.

May the Lord Jesus be food and drink. Amen.

O Lord, who has given so much to us, give us one thing more, a grateful heart. Amen.

For food in a world where many walk in hunger / For faith in a world where many walk in fear / For friends in a world where many walk alone / We give you thanks, O Lord, Amen.

God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry, and hunger for justice to all who are fed.

Benedictus, benedicat. (Bless us, bless it)

Oooooh / The Lord's been good to me / and so I thank the Lord / for giving me / the things I need / the sun and the rain and the appleseed / the Lord's been good to me!

The Rev. Matthew Moretz is the Curate at Christ's Church in Rye, New York

www.ccrye.org
www.fathermatthewpresents.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Table
• Blessings
• Prayer
• Grace
• Meals
• Episcopal
• Anglican
• Father
• Matthew
• Presents
• Regina
• Beauregard

[hipsternow]

Dear Father Matthew: Thanks for you video, which I enjoyed. I am glad your dog escaped the T-Regina. I thought you might want to know that "Benedictus benedicat" actually means, "May the Blessed One bless" [us, or this food, I guess]. With regards, Craig

[FatherMatthew]

@hipsternow Too bad I got the translation wrong...maybe I can correct it with a bubble overlay....

[afielsch]

2:27 say what?! you wanna cannibalize jesus?? oh right, you're catholic-

[FatherMatthew]

@afielsch catholic and protestant, really. But, yes, we eat and drink Jesus all the time! It may seem cannibalistic, but the liturgy actually accomplishes the exact opposite: giving us the spirit of Christ so that we may not devour each other, as is the norm for humanity.

[edderamus]

cute dog my mom has a dapple piebald dachshund lol i may be postig supid but i thought that ws a cute puppy how old is he??

[baritonesinger95]

@andrewlaurber the churches official stance on homosexuality is that it is not a sin, MOST episcopal churches accept homosexuality, but there are a few conservative parishes...

[daphluvsrickman]

Such a big name for a little dog! So cute!

[allancuseo]

Thanks, Father, for putting the boots on your dog. Wish more people would do that.

[allancuseo]

Thanks, Father, for putting the boots on your dog. Wish more people would do that.

[hipsternow]

Dear Father Matthew: Thanks for your video, which I enjoyed. I am glad your dog escaped the T-Regina. I thought you might want to know that "Benedictus benedicat" actually means, "May the Blessed One bless" [us, or this food, I guess]. With regards, Craig

[nubius]

Peace be with you,...

...and also with you.

How long have I waited for that to be common parlance. I don't think it will happen in my lifetime, but I'm thankful for people like you. No matter were we sit on the "spiritual spectrum" I hope that people don't work to make enemies out of allies. You are one of the good ones Father Matthew.

I'm glad you are still making videos ^_^

[AnHonestChristian]

As a good Lutheran, I often use the de facto Lutheran blessing, the Common Table Prayer. Or I use this prayer from Luther's Small Catechism:

Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless these gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.