I don't participate in dinner prayers. No closed eyes or bowed head. I show my hosts respect by not interrupting their ritual. After all, it is not my table nor my food. I think leaving the table for the prayer would be rude. Most of the dinner prayers I have heard were very short. You probably wouldn't make it away from the table, let alone out of the room, before it was finished. Pushing back your chair, standing up, turning and exiting stage left sends a clear signal about what you think of that person's beliefs. They are likely to take offense. That being said, if these people know your views on religion and still go out of their way to make the prayers long or name you specifically (pray for matthewcornell to accept Jesus), then I would just wait until they finish before joining them for dinner. Another option might be to eat before you get there and politely decline to join them. It sounds like they don't make good company with the Catholic/black comment. I would not be in a hurry to visit them anytime soon.
As an afterthought, I was wondering if everyone joined hands before the prayer? I am very uncomfortable with this. I never present my hands to those next to me, forcing them to take it. I make no effort to grasp their hand in return so they realize mine will fall if let go. Once again, no bowed head, closed eyes, or disruption. Most people realize by then I don't share their beliefs. I don't know if that is what I should do but it's all I've come up with so far. Without hijacking the OP's thread, I too would like to know about how to respectfully handle (no pun intended) that particular situation. I think I saw a related thread at the bottom concerning this issue so that is where I will start.
As an afterthought, I was wondering if everyone joined hands before the prayer? I am very uncomfortable with this. I never present my hands to those next to me, forcing them to take it. I make no effort to grasp their hand in return so they realize mine will fall if let go. Once again, no bowed head, closed eyes, or disruption. Most people realize by then I don't share their beliefs. I don't know if that is what I should do but it's all I've come up with so far. Without hijacking the OP's thread, I too would like to know about how to respectfully handle (no pun intended) that particular situation. I think I saw a related thread at the bottom concerning this issue so that is where I will start.
