Why is it traditional to pray before meals? "Being clean"

 Mark 6:30-32

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest". So they went away by themselves to a solitary place. 

Vs 41 

Taking the 5 loaves and the 2 fish and cooking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. 

8:6b-7 

When he had taken the 7 loaves and given thanks, he broke the and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fishes as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 

Jesus taught us to take what we have (not be selfish about what we want, but gladly take what is available) and before even putting it on our own plates, look up to God and thank Him for what we have. 

Jesus always took what they had (bread and fish - IE unleavened bread and tilapia), gave thanks, broke it and distributed it, and there was plenty left over. Nobody ever still had need. 

They had clear minds and dirty hands. They hand washed their clothing, they were not wasteful, they walked a lot, they were around animals... and they were in community with God. 

"cleanliness is next to godliness" is a lie. 

We now have more cluttered minds and lives, pristine homes and dusty Bibles. Less connection with God, we focus more on being "clean" and presentable, less simple. We have more chemical products and nice clothing and harder hearts. 

It's not that I don't care about taking care of my possessions, I just don't put much value in them. Because they are of less value to me than the cross, and the God who made the universe.