Today, as we in the United States pause to give thanks to God for the many blessings in our lives, we share with you a few meal prayers written for use in our Redemptorist communities. This collection of blessings is made up of prayers inspired by Scripture and our Redemptorist rule of life:
All things are yours, Lord, lover of life. We bless you for the food that you once again offer us today. Strengthen our apostolic charity, the unifying principle of our whole life, so that, following Christ the Redeemer, we might fulfill your will for the salvation of the world. This we ask through you who lives and reigns with the Father and the Spirit, one God, forever and ever. (Wisdom 11:26; Constitution 52)
No one can claim anything except but what is granted him from heaven. Therefore, we thank you, Father, for these gifts, signs of your goodness. Fill us with missionary zeal so that, in our preaching, we may move women and men firmly and gently to a radical and definite decision for Christ. We ask this blessing in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, forever and ever. (John 3:27; Constitution 11)
Excerpted from Grace Before Meals: Plentiful Blessings from the Redemptorist Community by Serafino Fiore, CSsR
Know that today, as we gather to give thanks, we remember all of our friends, families, benefactors, and all of those who join us in our mission to preach plentiful redemption! May God bless you today and always!