Prayer of the Church

Grace before and after meals

Benedic, Domine — and Agimus tibi gratias

LatinEnglish

Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona, quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Depois / After)
Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

(After)
We give thee thanks, almighty God, for all thy benefits, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

SourcePrayer of the Church · Benedic, Domine — and Agimus tibi gratias

The history of this prayer

Jesus blessed the bread before breaking it, and the Jews gave thanks before and after eating. The monasteries kept the custom with the “blessing of the table”, and from them come the Benedic, Domine before the meal and the Agimus tibi gratias after it.

The English “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts” is one of the best-known Catholic prayers. Many families add at the end: “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Frequently asked questions

What is the Catholic grace before meals?

“Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.” It begins and ends with the Sign of the Cross.

Is there a prayer after meals too?

Yes: “We give thee thanks, almighty God, for all thy benefits”, the Agimus tibi gratias.

Can I pray it in Latin with my family?

Yes, and it is a good way for children to learn the Church's Latin. The Latin text is beside the translation.

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