Should I say grace?

Question

When dining with people whose religion I do not know, should I say grace? If so, should I do it discreetly, quietly, etc.? I say grace regularly, and do not know what to do in this situation.

Answer 1

When travelling with friends in Mexico (Mexican friends) each time they set out on a car trip they said a prayer. On our first trip, they simply said, "We will be quiet for a few moments while our mother says a prayer, to bless our trip."
There was no embarrassment, as there would have been had we not realized what they were doing and continued to chat.
If you are dining with people who are not close acquaintances, simply say, "I always say grace. Will you excuse me for a moment?" and say grace quietly. They may or may not join in, but would certainly respect what you are doing.

Answer 2

You may say grace and whatever else you want in your own home. You may not say grace in other people's homes unless invited to do so (I hope my in-laws are reading this). You should not even be discreet or quiet, but SILENT!

It does not matter how "right" you think you are or how "Christian" you are, you do not have the right to foist your beliefs onto others by acting sanctimoniously--"Oh, oh, I am just going to quietly bow my little holy head and mouth a few words and everyone will see that even though I am in the company of heathens, I will still honor my God!"

It's like the parable of the fast: one man went out unshaven and unkempt and told everyone that he was fasting and praying, while the other man shaved and wore his best clothes and said nothing. Only the second man found favor with God because the first had already received his reward through admiration of his friends.

Answer 3

If this is at your own home, you should tell your guests that you always say a blessing before eating and ask them to join you. Or invite them to add their own when you have finished. If you are at someone else's home or a restaurant, I believe you should do it discreetly and quietly. You can say a blessing without speaking out loud. It is not for show but for your own connection with God.

Answer 4

I think that if everyone is secure in their belief or disbelief, you should be able to say it to yourself of offer to say grace with those who do bless their meals.

For four years of my life, I temporarily lost my Faith. I went cold turkey atheist. However, I sometimes went to church with my friends and at dinner to show my personal respect, I would share in grace with them. It wasn't what I 100% believed in at the time, but I wasn't losing life in partaking in these events.

Anyone who chooses to get offended is simply an asshole. Opt-in, or opt-out, but to make a big deal over a few moments of a grace. They may have deeper issues than you chose to deal with.

I have my Faith back now but I still have friends with varying beliefs, and we all tend to make it through dinner and various other outing without stepping on each others toes. Grace included.

Answer 5

If you don't know their religion, just say grace quietly to yourself so that you don't offend anyone else.

Answer 6

Some people may get offended, thats why I say mines by myself, quietly.

Answer 7

if i know all people are the same religion i ask to say grace... if not, i say it to myself quietly before i eat.

Answer 8

I don't know, but my brother's friend comes over to our house alot and eats with us, and my dad still has us say grace, and it kind of embarasses me, because I don't think they are the same religion, even though I know it shouldn't embarass me.

Answer 9

Good Food, Good Meat, Good gosh, Let's Eat!

Answer 10

quietly