That's right. I have stopped saying my "before meal" prayers. Something that has been a staple for me for the past, well, forever. It has been tough not bowing my head before I devour a meal-and, essentially, that is why I stopped doing it.
I had a good convo with good friends about a month and a half ago about this very subject. We all agreed that our "before meal" prayers weren't really prayers at all. I know that for as long as I can remember, I have basically been a Pharisee about praying and not even realized it. I would pray before a meal as a possible "witnessing tool". I thought, "maybe some one will see me praying and get saved," (something along those lines.) Definitely not the right reason to be praying. I also began to think about what I prayed before a meal. I soon realized it was basically the same old blahness every time. To the God who created me, has sustained me, blessed me beyond belief- "Thank you for this food, Amen." doesn't seem to cut it.
My "before meal" prayers were not genuine and I did not pray for the right reason. So I stopped. And guess what. I feel more grateful now for food and the little things I take for granted than ever.
For example, I did my bi-monthly grocery shopping the other day and was waiting in the Deli line waiting for some fresh cut cheese-I was leaning over my grocery cart and saw the $75 worth (budgeted!) of groceries and was overwhelmed. I immediately thanked the Lord for the bounty. I have never not known when the next meal was going to come.
(4/5 of the World's population worries about that everyday.)
Now, I am not advocating not praying. This is something that I need to do out of respect and to honor my Mighty God better. When you pray-do not be flippant; don't be passive; pray like you've never prayed before everytime you go to the Lord;
pray BIG; and Honor God in your prayers and all that you do.
