Mealtime Prayers?

[Ewergrin]

As you all know, I am a Family man, first and foremost.
Every night, my wife and I make dinner, and we sit down to the table and eat with our sons. The table is round, and before the meal, we hold hands in a circle and "pray", in our own way. The problem is, we do not have any sort of established prayer. We usually go from one person to the next, saying a small item that we are grateful for in our lives.

I am looking for a set prayer that we can recite at dinner time, in addition to what we already do. So I am coming here, to my extended family at BuB, for help. What do you do at dinner time? How do you pay homage to your faith at mealtime?

Perhaps there is someone here who is gifted in writing, that can write a new prayer?

What I need is a short prayer, in tune with our faith, with a basis on both nature/earth and the importance of Family.

[Gagnraad]

I never pray.

But I do often thank the gods, or ask for some sign to carry on. But that I usually do quitely inside me.

[nordicdusk]

I never pray.

But I do often thank the gods, or ask for some sign to carry on. But that I usually do quitely inside me.

Im very much the same myself just greatful in my own way.

[Ewergrin]

I'm a bit disappointed that neither of you can find it in yourself to actually say the words that you feel.

I did not used to pray. Now, I find it a useful way to pay homage to my belief and solidify my position as a believing heathen.

Rituals meant a lot to our ancestors and this is my way on continuing that practice, to show that I am worthy of my belief.

[Ewergrin]

I never pray.

But I do often thank the gods, or ask for some sign to carry on. But that I usually do quitely inside me.

So why not say the words aloud?

[Gagnraad]

Im very much the same myself just greatful in my own way.

Yes, I fail to see why I should openly pray. When the gods, or whomever is listening read my thoughts just as well.

Besides, I feel weak when praying. So I just "pop in" every now and then to say I'm gratefull for whatever I am gratefull for, pay my respects, and to seek comfort if that is what I seek.

Lately, however, I have started to question all this talk about "Superior existence", how can I worship, or believe in anything, for I have never seen this creature(s) and I have never felt any supernatural presence.
God(s) in whatever form, whatever religion, is just something we humans put our fate and belief in, because we need something to believe in. Something we imagine that give us advice and guidance.

But one thing is for sure: My main "religion", my one thing to truly worship and respect, is, and will forever be, Nature. That is something I can see, feel, touch.

[Ewergrin]

Yes, I fail to see why I should openly pray. When the gods, or whomever is listening read my thoughts just as well.

Illogical. What exactly is wrong with saying them aloud? Make your answer convincing, okay?

Besides, I feel weak when praying. So I just "pop in" every now and then to say I'm gratefull for whatever I am gratefull for, pay my respects, and to seek comfort if that is what I seek.

Why do you feel weak? At some point in life you're going to have to realize that there are things that exist in this world that are bigger than yourself. It's not weakness to give yourself to them freely.

Lately, however, I have started to question all this talk about "Superior existence", how can I worship, or believe in anything, for I have never seen this creature(s) and I have never felt any supernatural presence.
God(s) in whatever form, whatever religion, is just something we humans put our fate and belief in, because we need something to believe in. Something we imagine that give us advice and guidance.

I really don't think it matters specifically what anyone believes in, as long as you believe in something. It's called being parter of something greater than yourself.


Back to the original point of the thread, I am still waiting for those who are brave enough to pray to give me some new ides. Don't view praying as weakness, but as a homage to whatever it is that you believe in, your faith, and your ancestors. I guarantee you they prayed.

[Gagnraad]

Illogical. What exactly is wrong with saying them aloud? Make your answer convincing, okay?

Absolutely nothing is wrong about praying. But I feel better when doing it quietly.

Why do you feel weak? At some point in life you're going to have to realize that there are things that exist in this world that are bigger than yourself. It's not weakness to give yourself to them freely.

I have no problem with the fact that there exist a being bigger than me.
But I don't know for sure, do I? No one does, so now I fail to see why I even complain.

I really don't think it matters specifically what anyone believes in, as long as you believe in something. It's called being parter of something greater than yourself.

I agree with you. We need something to believe in.

[nordicdusk]

Well i was raised Roman Catholic and was taught to pray to myself so i suppose old habits die hard.

[freya3]

We pray before meals and @ bedtime...

For meals it is a simple prayer

"Bless the food that we are about to eat to feed our bodies, minds and souls."

And @ night we say goodnight to the earth, stars, trees, etc...then all of our ancestors and family and to the gods and goddesses to watch over, protect and guide us....this one is a little longer or shorter..given the mood of the girls, LOL!

The cute thing is that Josie, our 21 month old is starting to pray. Too Cute!!

I pray quietly too throughout the day. I agree w/EG that prayer does help to solidify our beliefs, but to each his own.