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 ourselves 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 for monks, because they are constantly under the supervision of their confessors, and pride can be detected in the early stages. The rest is enough to be moderate and reasonable. Prayer before meals is what you need to start initiation into Orthodox asceticism.
Strengthening iron
The importance of turning to God before strengthening forces has long been known. Therefore, it is necessary that the prayer before eating be read. There is an appeal to God after eating. Believers also pray while eating. I came across an interesting Orthodox story about a man who saw more than others. He watched several monks quench their hunger. Those who meditated on worldly things while eating did not receive any benefit. And the monk who prayed during the meal became physically 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 eating? 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 the desire to be satisfied, a person relies on God, since he takes care of him. Confidence is expressed that food is sent to a person exactly when he needs it, at the right time. The Lord is glorified because his hand is generous. It also speaks of faith that the Lord can satisfy all our bodily needs.
Don't curse yourself
Why do they read "Our Father" before meals? It wasn't originally created as a prayer before meals, was it? 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 why it is prescribed to read it before meals as an alternative to prayer before eating. But it involves much more than just praise to God and gratitude for daily bread. Along with the request for food, the prayer also contains a request to release us from sins. But we must remember that the sins called debts in prayer can be forgiven if you yourself forgive those who are guilty before you. If aIf you refuse to forgive, then the Lord's Prayer becomes a real curse for you. With it, you condemn yourself for sins, because you condemn others.
Orthodox prayer before meals should be supplemented by prayer after eating food, which is often forgotten. Often a person cannot finish a meal in any way, walks around and takes extra food. This is already a form of gluttony. To mentally put an end to after eating, read a prayer. Of course, it is not a magic spell and will not force you to refrain from eating. But morally, it will be easier for you to restrain yourself.
