Graces: Prayers for Everyday Meals and Special Occasions

One evening I had this book with me as I delivered a banquet invocation. The woman sitting next to me looked through the book & remarked that it looked like an amazing book, so I surprised her with a copy of her own. She thanked me profusely. I find it good because it draws from many places and many faith traditions, making it a very approachable resource.

The author/editor of this wonderful little book, June Cotner, writes in the introduction that the genesis of this book was a collection of mealtime graces she and her family compiled to get away from the same-old-same-old rote prayers. Convinced by others that many would appreciate such a book for their own use, Cotner set about gathering prayers and inspiration from people around the country, both in response to solicitations put in writing journals and to word-of-mouth contacts with friends, family and neighbours. Prayers and graces were received from people of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, religions -- all over the country, people from childhood to their nineties gave Cotner more than she could ever include. Cotner likened the process to being a gardener with a bounty of flowers from which she had to delight to pick a bouquet.The prayers are not merely mealtime graces, although there is a nice selection of these. Prayers for every time and occasion, even some for no particular occasion, are contained here. From the Sanskit Salutation of the Dawn to prayers of Hannukah and Advent and the four seasons, there are many prayers to choose from here in this wonderful collection.Some prayers are specifically for children, a nice section in the middle of the text. The words are simple and the meanings plain yet elegant and meaningful. There are traditional and modern graces, Jewish and Native American prayers, musical graces and contemplative prayers. Included among the original, previously-unpublished prayers are inspirational pieces from traditional liturgies, poets and spiritual persons of the past. William Blake and Helen Keller, Kahlil Gibran and Thomas Aquinas each make appearances here. This is a wonderful collection, an inspired set of readings for private, family and community devotion.

I have been reading graces from this book with my family and friends for 4 years now. Every time someone new joins our dinner and we bring out the book, they want one! I have given several to friends and family. It's a wonderful tradition to pass along.

For those who wish to get into the habit of saying grace at mealtimes, this is the perfect book. Although I was raised saying grace, it is easy to forget to do it now that I am an adult. My husband and I picked up this book, and it has been a pleasure skimming through it at each meal to find the perfect sentiment.