In the religious orders, naturally the custom of grace was much insisted upon.
1915, Henry F. Cope, Religious Education in the Family, page 135
Should we say grace on all occasions of meals? What shall we do at the social dinner in the home? The answer depends on the purpose of the grace. [...] the asking of grace will be perfectly natural.
1994, Nicole Landry Sault, Many Mirrors: Body Image and Social Relations, page 113
When "I'm so fat" is said in the girls' locker room, [...] When the statement comes before eating, it provides an apology or excuse by the speaker for the indulgence at hand (in effect, a secular "grace" before eating).
1996, Milton Steinberg, As a Driven Leaf, page 57
Painfully aware of his youth and unimportance, Elisha slipped unobtrusively into the first vacant place he spied, broke bread, murmured the appropriate grace, and ventured to look up.
2002, Bruce Northam, Globetrotter Dogma, page 103
I was greeted on the matted floor of the town meeting hall by the chief and his entourage for a customary sevu sevu greeting — similar to a Christian grace before a meal, except both host and visitor say quiet prayers, all heads bowed.
2007, Adrian Butash, Bless This Food, page 4
When we say a grace at the table before eating, we give thanks for our togetherness, our blessings, and our happiness.