#66453 - Public scripture study

[Yarjka]

I don't understand, Yarjka. Are you saying we should only bless the sacrament? That we shouldn't bless our food because we bless the sacrament?

I'm not opposed to blessing food. I just don't like the idea that it's a requirement before anyone can take a bite. I especially don't like it when someone at a church event does say a perfectly good prayer before we commence eating and someone speaks up to say "Wait everyone, he/she forgot to bless the food!" And then we have to wait while this person says a super quick "DearHeavenlyFatherPleaseblessthisfoodtonourishandstrengthenourbodiesInthenameofJesusChristAmen." I don't mind such nitpicking for an incorrect word in the sacrament prayer or for a toe poking out for a baptism,* since those are priesthood ordinances that are done relatively infrequently and have a set script and ritual. I fear that some wish to make blessing the food conform to such a standard script, and I think that is not only unnecessary, but actually opposed to the spirit of genuine thanksgiving.

*Although truth be told, I wish we'd let more of these mistakes slide, especially when we're talking about a priest with a serious stuttering problem who may never get through the sacrament prayer without a mistake.

[Genuine Article]

I'm not opposed to blessing food. I just don't like the idea that it's a requirement before anyone can take a bite.

I agree. I think we're asked to pray over our meals not to bless the food, but to insure that we pray throughout the day, pray as a family, and have the opportunity to give thanks. My husband and I only really sit down together to eat dinner, so when I say the blessing I usually say that I'm thankful for the time we have to spend together. Prayers at meals shouldn't have to center around the food.