Gluttony is the beginning of all vices and the first step of sin leading down. But this does not mean that we should starve ourselves and bring to exhaustion. Ascetic feats are not for the laity who risk falling through excessive abstinence into a much worse sin - pride. Strict restrictions are prescribed to monks because they are constantly under the supervision of their confessors, and pride can be discovered in the early stages. The rest is enough to be moderate and reasonable. Prayer before eating is where to begin familiarizing with Orthodox asceticism.
Iron to strengthen
The importance of turning to God before reinforcing forces has long been known. Therefore, it is necessary that the prayer before meals be read. There is an appeal to God after eating. Believers also pray while eating. I met one interesting Orthodox story about a man who saw more than others. He watched a few monks quench their hunger. Reflecting on the things of the world while eating did not receive any benefit. And the monk, who prayed during the meal, became bodily and spiritually stronger, as if iron was obtained from food for his body and spirit.
Two options to choose from
What prayer to read before a meal? There are two options. Or the standard “Our Father”, which every Christian knows. Or a shorter prayer written specifically for eating. It says that in a desire to get enough, a person relies on God, because he cares about him. Confidence is expressed that food is sent to a person exactly when he needs it, at the right time. The Lord is glorified for being generous in his hand. It also speaks of the belief that the Lord can satisfy all our bodily needs.
Do not curse yourself!
Why do they read "Our Father" before eating? It was not originally created as a prayer before eating? First, this appeal to the Lord from beginning to end is set forth in Scripture itself. Secondly, in it a person asks God to give bread for every day. And this is the main reason that it is prescribed to read before eating as an alternative to prayer before eating. But it implies much more than just praise to God and thanks for the daily bread. Together with a request for food, prayer contains a request to allow us from sins. But we must remember that the sins called by debt in prayer can be forgiven if you yourself forgive the guilty before you. If you refuse to forgive, then “Our Father” becomes a real curse for you. With it you condemn yourself for sins, as you condemn others.
The Orthodox prayer before eating should be supplemented by prayer after eating food, which is often forgotten. Often, a person can’t finish the meal, walks and takes food additionally. This is already a form of gluttony. To mentally end the meal, read the prayer. Of course, it is not a magic spell and will not make you refrain from eating. But morally it will be easier for you to restrain yourself.