Our Venerable Father Euthymius the Younger, the Holy Venerable-Martyr Lucian, Priest of Great Antioch (312)
Colossians 2:1-7; Luke 9:12-17
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Read Luke 9:12-17
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
While the Church has prescribed prayers before meals (see below), I learned a different prayer from the Monks of Mount Tabor in Redwood Valley many decades ago, and still sing it today:
Dwell with us this evening, gracious Lord.
The eyes of all creatures look to You,
and You give them their food in due time.
You open wide Your hand;
grant the desires of all who live.
Lord, our God, real Food,
You give life to the world:
bless this meal,
give us brotherly love.
Dwell with us this evening, gracious Lord.
The story of feeding of the five thousand reminds me of this prayer before a meal. How much are we like those who follow Jesus. We want to hear His teachings, to have His words penetrate our minds and hearts, such that our lives are changed and our old selfish behaviours vanish. His words bring life to us and we so very much desire to constantly hear them! And He has healed so many; perhaps He can heal our wounds of soul as well. We are willing even to go hungry to be near Him. But look! He even provides nourishment of the body! And not food that just satisfies, but food that is suprabundant. “The eyes of all creatures look to You, and You give them their food in due time.”
To the disciples at that time, he gave fish and loaves; to us today, He gives His very Body and Blood to nourish our bodies and souls. How great is our God!
Dwell with us this evening, gracious Lord
Prayers at Meals
BEFORE BREAKFAST
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us.* Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord;* pardon our transgressions, O Master;* look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One;* for the sake of your name.
Glory… Now…* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Christ God, bless the food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy, now and for ever and ever.
Amen.
AFTER BREAKFAST
(Tone 6) It is truly right to bless you, O God-bearing One,* as the ever-blessed and immaculate Mother of our God.* More honourable than the cherubim* and by far more glorious than the seraphim;* ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word,* O true Mother of God, we magnify you.
BEFORE LUNCH
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Glory… Now…* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Christ God, bless the food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy, now and for ever and ever.
Amen.
AFTER LUNCH
(Tone 8) We give thanks to you, O Christ our God,* for you have satisfied us with your earthly gifts;* deprive us not of your heavenly Kingdom,* but, as you came among your disciples, O Saviour, and gave them peace,* come to us and save us!
Glory… Now…* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
God is with us through His grace and love for mankind, now and for ever and ever.
Amen.
BEFORE SUPPER
(Tone 4) The poor shall eat and be satisfied,* and those who seek the Lord shall praise Him;* their hearts shall live forever.
Glory… Now…* Lord, have mercy. (3)* Give the blessing!
Christ God, bless the food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy, now and for ever and ever.
Amen.
AFTER SUPPER
Same as after breakfast or lunch.