There are many things that I appreciate about life in rural Newfoundland. One of them is the way community life naturally includes the church. As the local priest, I’m often invited to join various organizations for meetings or meals. I genuinely look forward to these gatherings—I wouldn’t want it any other way. At the same time, I hope I never take this generous hospitality for granted.
Whenever food is involved, there’s usually an expectation that “the minister” will offer the blessing. I’m always happy to do so. Still, I’ve sometimes wondered: what would happen if I tapped a random person on the shoulder and ushered them toward the microphone instead? (Did your blood pressure spike just a little?) It’s a lighthearted thought, but also a reminder that every Christian—lay or ordained—should be ready to offer a word of thanks, whatever the setting.
Our Anglican tradition gives us a deep appreciation for the formal prayers of the Book of Common Prayer—and rightly so. But Jesus often spoke about the value of simple, heartfelt prayer. He praised humility and warned against showy, performative religiosity (see Matthew 6:5). “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” he taught (Matthew 18:4).
So perhaps a table grace doesn’t need to be complex. Something as honest and simple as, “God, thank you for your goodness, and thank you for this food,” might be just what’s needed.
In the Ash Wednesday Litany of Penitence, we ask forgiveness for “our failure to commend the faith that is in us.” Could a simple, sincere table grace—spoken aloud, in public—be one small way to answer that prayer? Maybe even a way to encourage others to do the same?
Anne Lamott, in her delightful little book Help, Thanks, Wow, offers a guide to this kind of simple prayer. It’s a great read for anyone exploring a more candid, approachable way to speak with God—and a great pick for a church book group.
So, next time someone taps you on the shoulder, what will your table grace be?
Andreas Thiel+
Rector, Parish of Salvage
