Before and after meals, we thank God for the food we eat and for providing the means to produce this food. We also thank Him for the people whose labour has put the food on our table from the time of sowing the seeds in the earth to the moment the food is placed on our table.
God of love, Creator of all,
this food does not come to us without cost.
It comes to us through human effort,
and we are thankful.
Even more so, this food comes to us as a gift of the earth.
Creation has given itself so that our lives can be sustained,
and we are thankful.
In our gratitude,
we acknowledge the true cost of this food.
And in our prayer to you, O God,
Help us renew our commitment to care for the earth. Amen.
- by Fr. Francis Cotter ofm
All praise be Yours, my Lord,
through Sister Earth our Mother,
by whom you give us food and drink
and care for all our needs.
All praise be Yours
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
- prayed by the Irish Franciscan friars