Blessing on the Meal       Audio   MP3   Download

Blessing on the meal: —when, where, how—especially in public places such as restaurants.

This subject has been known to divide local congregations and even families.  The question is, "what do we do when at least one of the family or congregation is uncomfortable with praying over a meal in the restaurant in the presence of strangers?"

The recommendation here is to take action that meets the comfort level of the lowest common denominator.  That is, yield to the one expressing discomfort at the practice.  Search for an accommodating compromise, such as asking God's blessing on the meal before you leave home or the church meeting hall.  Another suggestion would to ask God's blessing in the car at the restaurant's parking lot.

One member asked, "Aren't we to let our light shine?"  Our light shines when we invoke the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of a Godly principle, such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, honesty and forgiveness.  Any form of praying in public could be construed as putting on airs and doing one's righteousness before me for men.  We do not want to do acts before the public that could be taken as being negative or even against the Word of God.  Generally people do not misconstrue honesty, forgiveness, service or excellence, which are all Godly principles.

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