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We are frequently asked for alternatives to the usual religious grace said before meals, particularly at formal occasions. We hope that the following will give you some 'food for thought' and provide the basis for your own thoughtful words.

An improvised grace for a Chamber of Commerce dinner:

"As we eat this good food, let us not forget those who are starving and destitute. As we drink this good wine, let us remember those who have only contaminated water. As we enjoy this good company, let us be mindful of the lonely and the bereaved. And let us be grateful for our own good fortune."
David Rowley, Dumfries

A Humanist grace at the start of a wedding meal:

"Let us enjoy good food and good drink, And let us thank all whose efforts have set them before us; Let us enjoy good companionship, And let us each one be good company to the others; Let us enjoy ourselves, without guilt, But let us not forget that many are less fortunate."
George D Rodger, Aberdeen

Grace for a Writers' Club Dinner, May 1996

"Friends, as a Humanist, may I suggest three things to think about quietly before we start our dinner tonight?

Firstly, let us be thankful for the love of writing and the spirit of friendship which brings us together in this club, and the work put in by our officials to make it possible. Secondly, let's be grateful for the intricate chain of human effort and skills needed for such a dinner. The growing, processing, distributing of the food and drink - its preparation and cooking - the waiting and serving in such a lovely setting. All this and much more to remind us that humanity is at its best in co-operation, not competition, and that Fraternity remains, without which indeed there can be no Liberty or Equality. Lastly, let us spare a thought for the many human beings round the planet, our common home, who go hungry or cold tonight. They are an affront to us all."
John Watson, Acharacle

Or simply...

"For what we are about to receive may we all be truly grateful."
Sonya Murphy, Perth

"Dig in! Enjoy!"
Ali McNab


Other contributions...

“Now good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both.”
Shakespeare, Macbeth, III, 4

”Good company, good wine, good welcome can make good people”
Shakespeare, Henry VII

“Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing!”
Bart Simpson

“Before we enjoy this celebration meal, let us think for a moment of three things:
Firstly let us be mindful of those in our human family who will not be eating today.
Secondly let us be aware of all our fellow human beings who made this feast possible. Those who grew, transported and made our meal, and those who serve and clean up after us.
Finally, let us make the most of the grand company we share today. May we leave this table fulfilled in body, mind and heart.”
Stella Potter, HSS Celebrant

 

 

 

 
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