Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Hannah looked eagerly at the plates of food the waitress set down on the table. She could hardly wait to eat. “Hannah,” said Dad, “why don’t you lead us in giving thanks today?”

Hannah glanced around the busy restaurant. “Right now?” she asked. “What if the waitress comes back with the ketchup?”

“I’m sure she won’t mind waiting,” said Dad, and they all bowed their heads. Hannah glanced around again, then mumbled a quick prayer.

Luke looked up when she finished. “I couldn’t even understand what you said!”

“Me neither,” said Phoebe. “You talked too fast.”

“I wasn’t praying to you,” said Hannah. “God understood me, and He knows I’m thankful.”

“Hannah’s right,” said Dad. “God does know what she prayed–but, Hannah, Luke and Phoebe are right too.”

Mom’s eyes met Hannah’s. “Do you find it embarrassing to pray?” she asked.

“No, not usually,” said Hannah. “But everybody is watching us here.”

“Who is?” asked Luke, looking around.

“Well, it feels like everybody is watching us when we all close our eyes,” said Hannah. “Why can’t we pray with our eyes open?”

“It isn’t your eyes that God is concerned about–it’s your heart,” said Dad. “We give thanks as a family before each meal because we know God is the one who provides food for us. He provides everything we need–including forgiveness for our sins and eternal life through Jesus. He has given us so much, and we want to thank Him with grateful hearts.”

“Exactly,” said Mom. “Whether our eyes are open or closed or our prayer is silent or spoken out loud, the important thing is to remember that God provides us with everything we need and thank Him for it.”

Hannah stared down at her plate, thinking about her parents’ words. Then she put down her fork. “Can I pray again?” Mom and Dad nodded.

“Dear God,” Hannah began, and from her heart she thanked God for the food. She finished with a hearty “amen,” which was repeated by another “amen” next to the table. Hannah looked up as the waitress smiled and handed her the ketchup.

–Heather Tekavec

How About You?
Do you give thanks before each meal? Even when you’re in public and other people can see you? If you feel embarrassed to close your eyes and pray out loud, remember that’s not what God is concerned about. What matters to Him is your heart. Do you have a thankful heart? If so, pray and thank Him! Before a meal is often a good time to do that, whether silently or out loud, but don’t stop there–give thanks for all the ways God provides for you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT) (Ephesians 5:20)

Today’s Key Thought:
Thank God for what He provides