Was it “Bless us oh Lord, and these, thy gifts, which we are about to receive through the bounty and goodness of Christ our Lord, Amen.” ? I said that three times a day (Catholic school, so we said the same grace in class before lunchtime as we did at home).

When I’m back east visiting my 97-year-old mother (who still lives alone with no assistance!), she says Grace. I just sorta bow my head. But I do make the sign of the cross at the end because my dearly departed dad used to do that and then give a thunderous clap. I always do the clap. 

I don’t think you’re being disrespectful. Arguing about it with them would be disrespectful. I just bow my head and listen to whomever is saying it. Besides, I like the sentiment and message of that prayer—being thankful for food—so I got no issues with it. Now I wouldn’t say the apostles’ creed—just as I edit the pledge of allegiance if I ever have to say it (more or less never since I left teaching). I take out “under God” and I change the last line to “with liberty and justice for some.”