Jeff Lucas on why he doesn't say Grace before meals

Perhaps you’ve been there. A family from church invite you for a meal. You don’t know them well, but are pleased by the opportunity. You chat while you wait for the food, and then, as the plates arrive, tension grips you. 

You glance around the table, hoping for a hint: Do these people say grace before eating, or do they view that as an empty religious tradition? Nobody makes a move and so you dig in, only to be on the receiving end of a frosty glare: “Are we not thankful to the Lord for his bountiful provision?” says someone, snootily. Ashamed, you mumble an apology, swallow your unblessed chicken and endure a lengthy intercession, which includes prayer for everything but the food.