Prayers Before Mealtime

by Unknown (traditional)

The normal prayers before meals according to the Russian Orthodox tradition.  The troparion of the feast may also be used in conjunction with the blessing.

Before Breakfast

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! Lord, cleanse us from our sins! Master, pardon our transgressions! Holy One, visit and heal ourinfirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.


After Breakfast

More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond comparethan the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word:true Theotokos, we magnify you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

God is with us, through His Grace and love for mankind,always now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.


Before Lunch

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day ourdaily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those whotrespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver usfrom evil.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.


After Lunch

We thank Thee, Christ our God, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thineearthly gifts. Deprive us not of Thy Heavenly Kingdom, but as Thoucamest among Thy disciples, O Savior, giving them peace, so come to usand save us!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

Blessed is God, Who has had mercy on us and fed us from His richgifts, through His Grace and love for mankind, always, now and everand unto ages of ages. Amen.


Before Supper

The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shallpraise Him; their hearts shall live forever!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.


After Supper

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Your womb became a Heavenly Table, bearing the Heavenly Bread – Christour God. Whoever eats of Him shall not die, O Birth-giver of God,according to the word of the Nourisher of all.

More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond comparethan the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word:true Theotokos, we magnify you.

Thou, O Lord, hast made us glad by Thy works; in the works of Thyhands shall we rejoice. Lift up the Light of Thy countenance upon us,O Lord! Thou hast put joy in my heart. With teh fruit of wheat, wineand oil have we been satisfied. In peace I will both lie down andsleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me to dwell in hope.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

God is with us, through His Grace and love for mankind,always now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.