Most times before a meal, I stop and give thanks to God. After so many years and so many meals, this ritual has become something done without much thought. Yet, still, a tradition that, if left out, guilt temporarily sets in.
I began to ponder the purpose of the mealtime prayer. Of course, in my mind, I thought of the last supper when Jesus broke bread and poured wine, as He told His disciples what was to come. How do I approach the prayer for today’s meal: Remembering Jesus? His sacrifice? Am I giving thanks for the blood that He shed to cover my sins?
In my mind, the little voice is saying, “yes, Yes! YES!!!” But, my heart is wanting more than lip service.
What does God want from me? A ritual followed thoughtlessly? Words that impress and give a Sunday school lesson before the first bite? I don’t think so, but what does He want from me?
I believe He wants to be invited in. He wants to be remembered, remembered, not as a person from the past, but remembered like a wanted guest. The person intentionally invited to share a meal, the conversation, the fellowship.
The act of being intentional about asking Jesus to join me is a new revelation for me. Now, when I bow my head before a meal, I stop.
I stop the thoughts of the day. I stop my mental list of things to do. I stop my exhaustion, my anger, my hunger. I X-out the surrounding sounds, and in my mind, my spirit, my heart, I stop and invite Jesus in.
As I stop and have that moment of fellowship with Him, I feel peace and thanksgiving. I have a new perspective on the day. I am in the presence of the Living God. It is like all the things that have happened in this day are sucked into a ball, placed in His hand, and all that is left is Him and me. And I am thankful.
I am thankful for Him, and I am grateful for what He has provided in this day. I am forever thankful that He has made a way, The Way, for me to enter into His presence. I am reminded that He desires to spend time with me.
Then once again, all too soon, time whisks me back. But I am refreshed! I have peace, joy, contentment, and confidence in the One who sees me, knows me and walks with me.
Life is tamed until we meet again, and I cannot wait.
(Maybe, I don’t have to wait for the next meal.)
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