John,

I'd have to say it has become a habit deeply ingrained in me from growing up in a home that practiced that faithfully. I'll have to admit most of my pre-meal prayers are relatively short because the food is already on the table and it will get cold. Often we use the Lord's prayer too.

As I've grown over the years in my prayer life I found that it's good for me to set aside times for prayer and develop a habit of protecting that time to spend with the Lord. It's been helpful for me to set aside time early in the morning for my private devotions and prayer but my wife and I also spend quite a bit of time in a family altar after dinner each evening too. Spontaneous prayer throughout the day helps me to express my reliance on God's involvement in all my activities especially overcoming my flesh.

I think a good barometer of a Christian's spirituality and closeness to the Lord is his/her prayer life. When discussing this openly with some other Christians I was really surprised to learn that some of my brothers and sisters spend so little time in prayer. I found out that for some the prayer with meals is there only prayer during the day. Now that's sad when we have the privilege to bring everything to God in prayer.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts