Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied,

‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭41‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Since when did giving thanks to God for providing our meals go out of style?

We’ve all witnessed an adjacent table in the restaurant bow heads in prayer before eating. 

Some families still practice this around the kitchen table. 

Though not usually such a dramatic exercise as providing a dinner party for 5,000 from an essentially empty fridge, God steps up at every meal to remind us that it is he who sustains us. 

What dinner guest doesn’t thank his host for the invitation and the good gifts that come with it?

Prayer that precedes acceptance of any meal either in private or in public is a humble, reflexive, and unashamed acknowledgment of the generosity of the giver. 

Whether procured from the local Kroger’s or the loving handiwork of your host, at the end of the day it’s ultimately God who sustains our needs. 

So get back in the habit. Give pause to reflect as a very small demonstration of your faith and thanks. 

It may be a tiny but significant witness to a world around you groomed to take blessings for granted. 

Ephesians 5:20