How many times have you heard (or used!) that line in a prayer over the food? (I know there a few variations, but that one is a classic.) Have you ever really thought about it? I find it quite humorous, especially when it’s used at a church function where the food will clearly not nourish or strengthen anyone’s body (donuts, pizza, cupcakes, soda, cookies, etc.).

Why do we bless the food? Can the prayer change the elements of a donut and make it healthy for our consumption?  If so, I should have prayed harder over the food and water on my mission in Argentina…it might have saved me countless hours on the toilet. TMI? I know. Maybe it was my vain repetitions so God didn’t hear my cries; my comp, however, sure heard my cries from the bathroom!! I know – way TMI, but at least you are laughing now. I’ll have to blog about bathroom experiences in Argentina some time.

In our house, we decided that rather than asking God to bless our food, we would instead simply give thanks that we actually have good food to eat. (This was a big step for my wife who was haunted by various Mormon legends about severe cases of food poisoning striking if food were ingested before it was blessed.) I’m not saying our way is the right way, but for now it’s what makes sense for us.

donutmeme

DONUTS: YOU ARE HEALED OF ALL SUGARS, ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS, FATS, HYDROGENATED OILS, DYES, AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORING! Hallelujah! Nom nom nom.

Side note: Please offer prayers that my children will eat something other than cold cereal and macaroni and cheese. Please. 

Born and raised in Northern California, Pablo received his education at Ricks College and BYU with a BA in Spanish, minor in PE Coaching. Pablo served his LDS mission during the years 94-96 in Rosario, Argentina. He now runs a skate shop and batting cages in Orem, UT. He's married and has 4 boys.

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