From a Book for children last month, to something for everyone this month. A Book to dip into time and time again or just to enjoy. I present, 'A Book Of Graces' compiled by Carolyn Martin.
The Preface states that: ˜
'The history of Graces can be traced back to Greek and Roman Literature and then from the Old and New Testament to the writings of the early Christian Fathers'.
The word 'Grace' comes from the Latin 'gratias' meaning 'thanks'. Originally translated as 'Graces', this was shortened to 'Grace' in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries.
Although many Colleges and Organisations have their own Graces, the saying of Grace in private homes has, Mrs. Martin notes, largely lapsed.
I searched to find my old school Grace, 'For what we are about to receive' and did not have to look far - it was mentioned in the Preface. There are also several variations too, including the Headmaster's Grace (Humorous And Light Hearted Graces): -
'For what we are about to receive and for what some have already snatched, may the Lord make us truly thankful'.
(Attributed to Geoffrey Fisher, former Archbishop of Canterbury when Headmaster of Repton).
I then looked for the Childrens' Grace, 'Thank you for the world so sweet'. (E. Rutter Leatham) and found this too. (Who remembers singing this Grace?)
This remarkable Book is divided into Eighteen Sections covering Graces from numerous sources, for example, Literary, Military and The London Livery Companies. There is a special section on Graces With The Hungry In Mind. (Contributors include Delia Smith) Amongst the examples from the Old Testament is this from 1 Chronicles 29 v 13:
'Now therefore, our God, we thank thee and praise thy glorious name'.
The obvious ones from the New Testament are that our Lord himself gave thanks before the feeding of the 4,000 and 5,000 and at The Last Supper.
Martin Luther (1483-1546) is quoted amongst the Graces from the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries:
'Dominum Jeus sit potus et ensus. Lord Jesus be drink and food'.
Brownie and Guide Graces are included, together with those from the Round Table, The Royal Navy, The Women's Institute and The Royal College Of Surgeons to name a few.
The Childrens' Grace from Perthshire (Regional Graces) made me smile:
'Doon heads, up paws.
Thank God, we've jaws. Amen'.
This is a comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable collection of Graces - over five hundred - from around the world. (Yes, they do include Graces in other languages - there is one in Swahili).
I particularly liked this one from an African Dialect: -
'The Bread is pure and fresh. The Water cool and clear. Lord of all life, be with us, Lord of all life, be near'.
Happy Summer Reading everyone.
'A Book Of Graces' compiled by Carolyn Martin (Hodder and Stoughton) £5.99
written by Lynn Winter
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