DECATUR - The act of bowing the head and praying before a meal still seems to be popular.

"My family and I pray before every meal, whether it's at home or away in a restaurant or whatever, said Brian Elam, one of those responding to a Herald & Review online survey. "We believe in giving credit where credit is due."

The great majority of people responding said they pray at least some of the time before a meal served in a public restaurant.

Of the 33 respondents, 16 said they always say grace in a restaurant, and 12 said they pray sometimes. Five said they do not say grace in public.

When the survey asked whether it's natural to pray before a meal in public, 27 people answered yes and six said no.

The survey also showed that 26 out of the 33 people were happy to see others praying in a public restaurant. Five said they did not have any reaction, one responded to being embarrassed and one disapproved of public praying.

Respondent Sarah Reining said God has blessed her, so the least she can do is thank him for providing the food she eats, especially at a public restaurant.

"It seems that so many Christians are afraid or embarrassed to display their faith," she said. "It is a joy to see others praying. There is a feeling of fellowship there, and it's always encouraging to see families praying together."

Elam pointed out that people are blessed to have family and friends share a restaurant meal once in a while and that others might not have that luxury.

"I am happy to see other folks praying because, if they're taking the time to do that, then they are also sending the message of how important it is to give God thanks," he said.

sheilas@herald-review.com|421-7963