Praying at dinner (Jesus Christ, beliefs, grace, blood, church)

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by sparc872

I am in a bit of a crisis here. Not really a crisis, but I am just not sure how the best way to handle it is.

My girlfriend, as some of you may already know, is a Christian. She goes to church every Sunday with her family, she reads the Bible; She is really quite devoted to her faith. Her family is the same way. We were talking about our beliefs the other day and she asked me how I would handle her grandfather wanting me to say a prayer at dinner. I really didn't know exactly how to respond, so I figured I would ask you guys.

So, what should the protocol be for when someone asks an atheist to pray at a meal?

The best thing I could come up with was some sort of an open, inclusive thanks for this meal. But what do you all think?

Wow! That is truly a predicament I've never given much thought to. My brother-in-law is an atheist, but of course we all know this is the case, and don't ever ask him to bless the food. Does her grandfather know you are an atheist? My answer would definitely depend upon whether or not he does? If he doesn't know, it might be a good idea for your girlfriend to simply tell him so -- unless that's liable to cause him to have a stroke or something. If she doesn't want him to know, couldn't she just tell him in advance that when you are with them at dinnertime, you would appreciate not being called upon to offer a prayer? She wouldn't have to give him a reason, but if she felt that she did, she could simply say truthfully that you're not comfortable offering the prayer. Unless her grandfather is completely callous, he'll just take the hint and not ask you. If, however, he already knows you don't believe in God, and is determined to ask you to pray anyway, I don't really know what to tell you. I can't imagine that any theist would want an atheist to offer a prayer on his behalf. Furthermore, it's putting you in a very awkward position, which is just plain rude, in my opinion. If her grandfather knows you're an atheist and wants you to offer a blessing on the food anyway, I'd say it doesn't matter much what you say. Memorize something simple and be done with it. Something like, "God, we thank you for the meal we are about to receive. Amen."

[Tigress]

See now, this is what Beliefnet's Prayer Finder is for. lol

Here's a good generic one:

Creator, Sustainer and Life-giver, bless this food to our use, and us to your service, make us grateful for all your mercies, and mindful of the needs of others. Amen.

Or

Bless this food to our use, and bless all of those who have brought this nourishment to our table. Amen.

Or

Today may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.
May we appreciate our family and friends and remember those who are alone.
May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.
May we appreciate the freedoms we have and remember those who suffer injustice and tyranny.
Peace on earth. Amen.

Or you could be funny and say...

We give thanks for our bread,
We give thanks for our butter,
And most of all,
We give thanks for each other.
Amen.

Take your pick. lol Other than that, I echo Katzpur's post above.