... zen prayers at meal time ... (life coach, counselor, psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, philippines)

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two values which zen espouses is compassion and gratitude.
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in zen, the practice of compassion and gratitude is not externally-imposed. it is a natural and spontaneous outcome of experiencing a deep connectedness and interweaving of our life with the lives of all other beings.
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this experience of unity, compassion, and gratitude is reflected in the simple prayers which are said at the zen retreats before and after meals. i experience a quiet joy in my heart everytime i pray these prayers. in this season of lent, i'd like to share them with you.
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Prayer Before Meals .

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Leader: Let us take our bowls in hand and say
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All: Father in heaven,
we now offer this food to you.

May all creatures everywhere
share it with us together.


We ask you to bless this food
And make us mindful of the hungry.


Amen.
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Prayer After Meals

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Leader: Let us remember again how the food came to us.
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All: Father in heaven,
we are thankful for this meal
the work of many people
and the sharing of other forms of life.


Accept this gratitude as a prayer
for those who are hungry.

May your creatures everywhere be blessed.

Amen.
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