A few weeks ago my coworkers and I went out to lunch, and before we went to get our food, my manager (knowing we were all religious folks there but having no idea that my religion isn't Christian) decided to lead us in saying Grace before lunch. He didn't say he was going to have different people doing it, but the way he started it made me think he might in the future. That got me thinking about the concept of saying grace before a meal.

I personally think it's a good thing, to say some words of thanks over a meal. There's a whole lot tied up in the simple act of eating, and I really feel it's something we as a culture have lost sight of. And with the possibility of having to say Grace at the table looming in front of me, I had a lot to think about.

I am no longer in danger of this - my unit's splitting up, and not only am I not reporting to my boss anymore, I'm starting to wonder if I'll still have a job. But it'd been percolating for a while, and well... what I came up with follows. I don't know if I'd have the nerve to use it in that type of situation - it would be tantamount to coming out in the office, and with the current atmosphere I'm not sure that's a good idea - but at least I'm ready. And it would be good to do in general anyway.

Blessed is the soil
that feeds the plant
that feeds the animal
that feeds us.

Blessed is the sun
giving life to the plant
giving life to the animal
giving life to us.

In this meal we honor
The that gives us
...
And all else that feeds us.
We thank you.

The third stanza should include at least 3 lines (use the spices and the table salt if necessary!) and can be performed in a round, with each participant naming something and its contribution/attributes. Examples:

[cow] [strength|patience|...]
[pig] [wisdom|persisence|...]
[carrot] [inner sight|...]
[cauliflower] [intellect|...]

A couple points about this prayer:

1. It can be group or not, as you choose
   
2. It not only acknowledges the powers that be (like most pre-meal prayers I know), but it also acknowledges the sacrifices of what we're now eating
   
3. It forces you to think and connect with what you're putting into your body

I now have a job to do, trying to come up with for everything I eat! But it seems to me that this too is a valuable exercise...

Anyway, just wanted to share, in case anyone was interested.

Jaelle