If yours is a family that has fallen out of the habit of

saying grace at meals, these might help you jump-start that good

tradition. The cultivation of gratitude in children cannot begin too soon.

These are old rhyming blessings that children can

learn easily; look for more "graces" throughout Weekend.

Dear Father, hear us as we say

Thank you for our food today. Amen

Thank you for the world so sweet,

Thank you for the food we eat,

Thank you for the birds that sing

Thank you, Lord, for everything. Amen

For these and all thy gifts of love,

We give thee thanks and praise;

Look down, O Father, from above,

And bless us all our days. Amen

Father, we thank you for the night,

and for the pleasant morning light;

for rest and food and loving care,

and all that makes the day so fair.

Help us to do the things we should,

to be to others kind and good;

in all we do at work or play

to grow more loving every day. Amen

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