Do you say Grace in public?
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Cool! You never know, you may be making a "silent witness."
christiana
Puritan Board Senior
It to me is a matter of having a thankful heart and not letting the world squeeze me into its mold. I may say, 'Escuse me while I ask the Lord to bless our food'. That may or may not precipitate more conversation, depending on who is present. When with believing women we join hands and one says grace, no matter where we are eating. Even if eating out alone I still bow my head and say grace! That can be a silent witness. I know it can also be cause for derision, but so be it. Its a small thing to tolerate.
Amen Sister! We should never be ashamed of thanking the Lord for his gifts!
Very cool!
bookslover
Puritan Board Doctor
My late father, who was not a believer, once told me that, at a job where he once was employed, there was one guy who said a silent grace at lunch in the break room they had. But, dad said, he would always make sure he looked like he was cleaning his glasses or rubbing his eyes to make it not look like he was praying. Due to this wimpy individual, dad was further confirmed in his unbelief.
Why are some Christians so timid in public places?
Why are some Christians so timid in public places?
jaybird0827
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
Definitely.
I wish to put a little "bite" into this.
Yeah I KNOW so shoking I can bring controversy into anything! A very small number have said no. Curious: Why? Are you ungrateful? Do you think the fact Messiah blessed food not "good enough"? If it seems I am being tough here, perhaps I am. CHALLENGE! Why not say Grace?
Yeah I KNOW so shoking I can bring controversy into anything! A very small number have said no. Curious: Why? Are you ungrateful? Do you think the fact Messiah blessed food not "good enough"? If it seems I am being tough here, perhaps I am. CHALLENGE! Why not say Grace?
JBaldwin
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
This is a good discussion. I always used to say grace before a meal no matter what I was doing or where I went. Sadly, I began to associate it with my former legalistic lifestyle and got out of the habit. Being thankful for is a heart thing, but I do think it teaches our children a good lesson.
By the way, does anyone know the origin of giving thanks?
By the way, does anyone know the origin of giving thanks?
I know where you are coming from, and truly I am not tying to get into legalism, as I made mention in an earlier post, I have had times when I was yapping, and forgot. (oops) But I do not beat myself up about it. As to the origins, we know Christ did it, the feeding of the multitudes and the Last Supper. The Last Supper has ties to Passover so perhaps some OT tie ins are there? Pastors? Help out here.
Barnpreacher
Puritan Board Junior
I think Christ giving thanks before eating is a good example, as Max stated above.
Paul also makes reference to it in Romans 14:6 when he says, "He that eateth, eatheth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;"
Paul also makes reference to it in Romans 14:6 when he says, "He that eateth, eatheth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks;"
Hippo
Puritan Board Junior
I wish to put a little "bite" into this.
Because as a question of fact I do not, hence the honest answer is no.
I am not going to defend this practice as it is not defensible. I am glad that this thread has brought this failing to my attention. One more to add to the list and another thing that I need to change in my life.
Barnpreacher
Puritan Board Junior
I don't think we should be timid in prayer while eating out, but neither do I think we should make spectacles of ourselves. I once had a pastor that prayed so loud before we ate at the Pizza Hut, that it was just ridiculous. You have to respect the fact that you are in a public place. All it did was draw attention to himself.
AMEN! I am not ashamed to say Grace in Public, but I agree, if you sat at a table behind my wife and myself (unless you were doing some weird eavesdropping
) what you would hear, if anything would sound like quiet conversation. God "ain't" deaf! I don't have to shout at Him.
Peace.
I only remember one time when we didn't have prayer before a meal when I was growing up. My dad and I were at a truck stop in Louisiana, and he was deep in conversation with a trucker sitting at the counter with us, so he indicated to me that I could go ahead and eat.
That is cool. I grew up in a pretty "nominal" setting, and most Prayers were when there were family functions. I think is pretty awesome to hear from those on the PB who were not mere (cultural Christians).
Abd_Yesua_alMasih
Puritan Board Junior
Hold on... the topic is "Do you say Grace in public?" then I just realized the poll is "Do you Pray in public?"
I was thinking only about SAYING grace out in public before eating. From context that is what most people were thinking. I did not count being grateful or praying silently as saying grace as it seems to avoid the question somewhat.
I do not say grace in public unless I am with some Christian friends. Even then it depends where we are. I see "grace", as in saying it out-loud, as a tradition, a good biblical tradition, but even so a tradition. I do it when I can, but when it will create a disturbance or endanger lives then I do not. I mean when in muslim dominated areas of central asia for example I say thanks in my heart. Although I remember in another part of the world where this is illegal we sat around the table and looked at each other as if in discussion but actually we were praying. No one could tell the difference because they didn't speak English. Later on a train I saw some Muslims praying and the guards ordered them to stop and made discreet, but somewhat embarrassing fuss. It confirms the fact that there would be problems.
I was thinking only about SAYING grace out in public before eating. From context that is what most people were thinking. I did not count being grateful or praying silently as saying grace as it seems to avoid the question somewhat.
I do not say grace in public unless I am with some Christian friends. Even then it depends where we are. I see "grace", as in saying it out-loud, as a tradition, a good biblical tradition, but even so a tradition. I do it when I can, but when it will create a disturbance or endanger lives then I do not. I mean when in muslim dominated areas of central asia for example I say thanks in my heart. Although I remember in another part of the world where this is illegal we sat around the table and looked at each other as if in discussion but actually we were praying. No one could tell the difference because they didn't speak English. Later on a train I saw some Muslims praying and the guards ordered them to stop and made discreet, but somewhat embarrassing fuss. It confirms the fact that there would be problems.
You were right the topic is actually about saying Grace in public. In your case Brother, I do think we can "speak" to God in our hearts and in a dangerous situation, my
is this counts as grace. Oh and I just noticed! Ooops!!!! Sorry, the title of my Thread is Do you say Grace in public, on the poll, I put do you pray in public. Sorry about that!
Quickened
Puritan Board Senior
Amen. Chinese food is great, so I am always thankful for it!
Amen! I've been talking about Chinese food all week!
pilgrim3970
Puritan Board Freshman
Always say grace in public. Besides, my three year old would remind me anyway, should I forget
Brother John
Puritan Board Sophomore
Not a bad policy, it keeps the unbeliever from A. Making mockery. B. Keeps them in a "comfort level" so that they can be ministered to.
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