Grace After Meals is the short prayer of thanksgiving said after eating. It is less well known than Grace Before Meals, but it completes the meal the same way it began, with prayer.
We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
How to Pray It
- Make the Sign of the Cross.
- Pray "We give Thee thanks..."
- Add the prayer for the faithful departed.
- End with the Sign of the Cross.
What It Means
- "We give Thee thanks... for all Thy benefits": not only for the food, but for every good thing God has given us.
- "Who livest and reignest forever and ever": we end our thanks by praising God's eternal reign.
- "May the souls of the faithful departed...": even at the table, we remember those who have died and pray for their rest. It is a beautiful habit of remembering family members and friends who once shared our meals.
In Latin (Agimus Tibi Gratias)
Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.