Blessing Prayer

For several years, at meal time we have said the blessing that Thomas and Abby learned at their daycare in Florida.  It was simple.  It was sweet.  It had a good message.  We all really liked it.  We still do like it very much.

Help us do the things we should

Help us to be kind and good.

Help us in our work and play.

to grow more loving every day.

Amen!

Let's Eat Now!

However, Thomas has learned a new prayer (he calls it a "blessing prayer") at his Christian preschool that, obviously, has a more religious tone to it.  Just recently, he asked if we could start saying his blessing prayer at meal time.  Although I've grown quite accustomed to our simple & sweet blessing, how could I say "no" to a change in a blessing prayer?  I have to admit, what I find heart warming (and a little funny) is that Thomas leads the prayer.  He insists that everyone's hands should be together and our eyes must be closed as we recite after him:

Thanks for this day

Bless this food to our bodies

Help us to not be hurt

and help us to be strong.

In Jesus' name...

Amen!

A few things always happen though during our blessing prayer.  Abby never closes her eyes - she wants to watch all of us as we recite after Thomas and she is usually smiling ear to ear.  For the life of us, Brian and I always have to hold back a huge giggle when Thomas gets to the part "bless this food to our bodies"... I think in large because it's so formal for a 4-year old to say... and it reminds me of my Catholic upbringing.  The last thing that always happens is Abby has now insisted on saying a blessing prayer of her own after Thomas is done.  Hers is short & sweet.  But most importantly, its her time to say what she wants as we give thanks.  With our hands still together and all of us looking at Abby, she let's out a very definitive and confident, "AMEN!"