So…Changing the way I say Grace for my meals is not so easy. I find myself rooted in tradition. This one has been with me all my life, just like my bedtime prayers.

In my random thoughts as I wrote my last blog I thought about inviting the Lord to sit with me during meals. I put the thought in the post script. I’m taking a long weekend for a medical test today (This is really Sunday’s post…shh).  I was thinking it would be easy to tack the invitation to God to the end of my usual Grace at meals.

The thought of sharing meals with my God, the Holy Spirit, and my Savior, Jesus Christ still intrigues me. I eat most of my meals alone with my books or computer. My family scatters for our waking hours. Our schedules usually take us in differing directions.

While my bedtime prayers have changed as I grew from toddler to girl and then to woman, my grace before meals has not changed much. I am repeating prayer by rote and then tucking into my meals without much thought of who is at the table with me.

During the day, I am aware of who is with me spiritually day in and day out. Every hour and every minute God is with me. When I sit at a table with my family, we talk and joke. God is with us. When I enjoy a meal alone (believe me I enjoy my meals {wink}), God is still with me. So how do I open my heart to this most special guest at my humble table?

Yesterday as I read “Jesus Today,” by Sarah Young, my rambling thoughts came together. On page 52, Devotion 23 starts: “Let Me fill you with My Joy and Peace. They flow into you as you sit quietly in My Presence, trusting Me in the depths of your being.” I kept going back to this passage all during the day yesterday.

Who me? You want me to take time to stop and breathe? People have been telling me for years…Slow down. Meditate. Breathe. Be quiet in the Lord. Sit in his presence. As if you couldn’t tell. I’m not so good at this.

I’m much better at praying while working, driving, exercising…I talk to him in my head or out loud while I’m active. But when I’m quiet I write or sleep. I’m so filled with nervous energy I almost resent this type of nudge to change. I identify with Martha. I am actually a little jealous of those like Mary that can sit quietly at the feet of Jesus (See Luke Chapter 10).

Then the thunderbolt hit me. While in the presence of my earth-bound angels and acquaintances, God is in our midst. Remember:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them.” [Matthew 18:20 NKJV].

When I am alone, it is the perfect time to turn my mind to him and enjoy the quiet presence of my Lord. I can rest, mediate, and enjoy the Peace and Joy he brings to my life. It is time to develop a habit of recognizing him in the quiet moments of my life. Meals are a great place to practice.

“The Lord is my Shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;”
[Palms 23: 1- 2]

This morning as I made my breakfast, I thought of finishing this post. As I said grace over my meal I asked him to join me at the table and in my writing. His presence is strong. I hope it comes through in my writing. I have spent the morning with my Lord at my table. It was quiet and peaceful with some gentle guidance.

May the Grace of God shine upon you today,

Milly