My Family Isn’t Religious… What Do I Do About “Grace?”
It’s undeniable: we live in a majority atheistic society. Some might even say our world is actively anti-Christian even while it can be seen as socially ok (or even cool) to be a practicing Muslim or Buddhist. And so when we are faced with moments (like Thanksgiving) surrounded by people who likely identify as atheists (or likely uncomfortable with expressions of faith) - what do we do?
It is an uncomfortable moment when we personally are used to (and want to) praying before our meal, but it does not feel like others* around us are…
This can be one of “those” moments: when Christ asks us if we stand by our faith or deny Him. But feeling uncomfortable about how we can show our faith is normal, and does not mean that it does not count. We are called to show (not push) the Truth, to remind people that there is a God and we can be saved.
*this article is only meant for close family/friend gatherings. If you are a guest at someone’s house who is not Orthodox, then just cross yourself and say a silent prayer before digging in!
But Remember…
Before we continue, let us talk about what it means to be a witness of God and evangelize.
Do not be loud, flashy, or pushy - saying “you should all be Christians etc.…” - we instictively know that that is not how conversion happens. Instead be quiet, be simple.
Just live the faith, and whatever that entails. Conversion can happen from simply witnessing how a true Christian lives. A true witness is just living the faith without actively sharing it (flaunting it). As quoted in the Star Wars series about the Mandalorians - “this is the way.” We are Christians and this is what we do.
What Can This Actually Look Like In Practice?
We suggest talking to the host and asking if they were planning on having a prayer before the meal. If they say yes, great - ask if they would mind if you lead it. If no, again, ask them if then if you could say something in gratitude for this day.
Now not many people feel comfortable calling everyone’s attention (nor is that necessary because that can be too flashy). We suggest that you ask the host to say a few words thanking everyone for coming and then ask for you to say a few words/lead the prayer/… If the host is busy and can’t seem to get everyone’s attention, you can arrange for some small children to run around ringing a bell, asking everyone to come to the table/space. Then the host can continue…
At this point it would be good to say “Our Father” if you’re in an all-English group. Motion to everyone to join, “please join if you know it.” Bend your head if you would like, maybe avoid making eye contact (or even closing your eyes), and go relatively slowly. Be relatively loud (firm if not loud) if the crowd is not very loud and quieter if everyone is saying it.
Finish with Amen and then say something simple - again, not about being dramatic or flowery (unless inspired to do so and it feels appropriate) - we’re just asking for God’s blessing.
“O Christ our God, (please) bless the food and drink of your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.”
And then open your eyes or raise your head and with a genuine smile, wish everyone a good meal and a sincere thanks to all the cooks. And that’s it.