A kitchen prayer, often framed or embroidered and hung above the stove, blesses the room and the people who cook in it.
Historical Context
Martha is the patron of cooks because she was the one in the kitchen when Jesus visited, getting frustrated that her sister wasn’t helping. Jesus gently told her she was “careful and troubled about many things.” A kitchen prayer is partly a way of cooking like Martha without worrying like her.
A Kitchen Prayer
Lord, bless this kitchen.
Bless the food that is made here and the hands that make it.
Let this be a place of warmth and welcome,
where no one leaves hungry for food or for love.
Walk among our pots and pans,
and let every meal be shared with thanks.
St Martha, pray for us.
Amen.
A Prayer for the Cook
Lord, I’m tired and dinner still needs making.
Bless this ordinary work.
Let me cook with love instead of resentment,
and let my family taste the care in it.
Amen.
A Short Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts,
which we are about to receive from thy bounty,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- When moving into a new home, as a blessing on the kitchen.
- Before cooking a big family meal or holiday dinner.
- Framed above the stove as a daily reminder.
- On 29 July, St Martha’s feast.
Scripture Connection
“Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful.” — Luke 10:41–42
Jesus didn’t tell Martha to stop cooking; he told her to stop worrying. A kitchen can be a place of prayer when the work is done with him instead of against the clock.
Related prayers
For those who keep a home, see the Homemaker Prayer. St Teresa’s own prayer is on the Saint Teresa of Avila Prayer page, and for a grace children can say, the God Is Great Prayer.