Grace After Meals
Agimus tibi gratias
The thanksgiving is the Latin “Agimus tibi gratias”, the same words monks have said rising from table since the Middle Ages, and it thanks God for all his benefits, not only the food. The traditional form adds a line for the faithful departed, so the dead are remembered at every meal. Two short prayers, one before and one after, frame the meal the way the Church frames the day.
Traditional, medieval monastic form
We give thee thanks, almighty God,
for all thy benefits,
who livest and reignest for ever and ever.
Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.