Prayer for Breaking a Fast

For the first bite after a day of fasting. Often searched as “prayer for breaking a fast”.

Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Lord, thank You for this food. I have been hungry, and now I know what it means to be fed. Bless what is on this table and the hands that prepared it. Let me eat slowly and gratefully, remembering every person who does not know where their next meal comes from. Thank You for being with me in this fast. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Short enough to say before you pick up the fork. Often searched as “breaking fasting prayer”.

Father, I break my fast with thanks. You gave me strength for today, and now You give me bread. Let this meal restore my body and warm my heart. Keep me from forgetting, in the comfort of the table, what You taught me in the hunger. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For a family table at the end of a day of fasting.

Lord, we come to this table hungry and glad. We fasted together, and now we eat together. Thank You for the food, for each person here, and for what this day has taught us. Let our conversation be thankful and unhurried. Give us hearts that remember those who are still hungry tonight. In Jesus’ name, amen.

After a long fast, when you need to ease back to food.

Lord, I have been fasting for a long time, and my body is tired. Help me come back to food gently and with wisdom. Let me listen to my body and to the doctor if I need one. Thank You for the strength You gave me, and for the quiet I found. Let me not rush back to the old ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

At the end of a Lenten, Daniel, or week-long fast.

Father, this fast is over. Thank You for every day of it, even the hard ones. Show me what You taught me, and help me not to lose it as soon as I eat. Let what I have learned about hunger make me more generous, and what I have learned about prayer make me more faithful. I give this fast back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the first meal after Lent.

Risen Lord, forty days have passed, and the table is full. Thank You for the road through the desert, and for the morning that makes it worth it. Let the first bite taste of gratitude. Let every cup be raised to You. He is risen, and we are fed. Alleluia. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the day you ate before you meant to.

Lord, I did not make it. I ate before I meant to, and now I feel I have failed. Thank You that You are not waiting to scold me. You are waiting to be with me. Forgive me where I gave up too soon, and teach me that You love me when I am weak. Help me begin again, gently. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the first coffee, or the first glass of water.

Good morning, Lord. The night is over, and I begin the day with You, even before the first bite. Thank You for this new day and for the food that waits. Let me eat with a grateful heart. Go with me into the day, and let what I eat make me strong to serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.