As a family, we face many challenges together. We rely on one another for emotional support, to help us out in a time of need, and to just be there for us. One of the best ways to strengthen our bond as a whole family is to pray together. Prayer is a beautiful way to bring us closer to God and each other. Let’s discuss the importance of praying together as a family, how to start family prayer, and some short prayers that you can use with your family.
Family Praying Together
There’s so much importance in praying together as a family. It is a way to build our relationship with God and with one another. By praying together as a family unit, you are strengthening your family bonds. Prayer points everyone to God, which will make life easier for you when difficult situations arise. We all need strength from time to time and sometimes we forget the power of prayer!
There are other benefits of praying together as a family. Have you ever heard the phrase families that pray together stay together? Well, this is true! Prayer will help your family stay strong and united in times of trials. This can be especially beneficial if there have been any major changes such as a move or death in the family recently because everyone needs support from each other now more than ever before.
Praying together as a family encourages communication and closeness. Family members will be encouraged to pray for one another as well as give thanks to God for what He has done. Praying together gives a common goal as you pray about different situations. It helps your children learn about prayer by hearing from others.
How To Start Family Prayer
Now that we have gone over why it’s important to pray together with our families, let’s talk about how to start family prayer. You may think that praying together sounds like an intimidating task, especially with young children, but I promise it doesn’t take much time out of your day (unless you want it to) and will only strengthen bonds within your family.
You may be new to this, but I assure you it’s not hard. Just have everyone gather together in a room or even at the table after a meal. There should be no distractions like phones or TV so that you can focus on what matters most: your family time!
Once all of the family members are present and quiet for this special moment with God, then start by thanking God for your family. Before praying about whatever problems may be weighing heavily on your heart, take some time to praise God, which will help grow grateful hearts. Take turns sharing prayers aloud until each person has had their say.
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Check out these other ways that you can start praying as a family:
- Have someone read aloud from a devotional book before saying grace at dinner; then pray together afterward (or vice versa).
- Dedicate part of each day to family prayer time. For example, some good times to pray are every morning after breakfast or at the end of the day.
- Give one person in your house responsibility over leading prayers while another member leads a Bible study session once per week.
- Make sure all family members know how important it is for them to pray together as often as possible, even if they don’t want to at times! Prayer gives the opportunity to pray in agreement with God and His ways instead of our ways.
As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become better wives and mothers as well. We also model the habit of daily prayer to our children for when they have their own families.
This All Things in Prayer Coloring Book will remind you of the importance of prayer as you color. Take time to pray for others and reflect on prayer as you color.
Family Prayer Night
Perhaps you want to incorporate a weekly or even monthly family prayer night. This is a designated time where you and your family can all come together, have some snacks (or dessert), and pray. This would be a more extended prayer time, and would probably work best if you have older kids.
If this is something you want to do, start by picking a day of the week that will work best for everyone in the home – then stick to it! Make sure everyone knows about this special night well ahead of time so they can prepare themselves both spiritually and mentally. You will want to use this quality time to take prayer requests and spend time in gratitude to God.
Here are some things you could pray about during your family prayer night:
- Praise God for all He has done for us throughout the past week or month; thank Him for our many blessings of life . . . big and small.
- Ask forgiveness for any wrongs we may have committed against others knowingly or unknowingly.
- Pray for those in need around the world or even closer to home like neighbors/friends who may be struggling with health issues or financial problems.
- Pray for your local church and the missionaries they support.
- Pray for the leader of your state and country.
- Pray for family members and friends who don’t follow Jesus. Pray that you have opportunities to share the gospel with them and that they will have open hearts to receive the gospel.
As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become a better wife and mother as well.
Family Prayer Time
I hope this gave you some ideas for making family prayer time a priority in your family. As parents, we are entrusted with our children and are to lead and guide them in the things of God. What better way to do this than by spending time together in prayer?
I just know that God will strengthen and grow your family as you grow in the habit of prayer. I know that prayer is something we can all grow in, so ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you as you implement daily prayers with your family. God is our ultimate source of strength, so we need Him for help each day.
Families That Pray Together Stay Together
The act of prayer and submitting ourselves to God is an important quality of a strong family. If you are pursuing God as a family, you are much more likely to have good relationships with one another. After all, God is the one who created family in the first place! As we come together to pray as a family, it’s a great way to solidify our relationships with God and one another.
Do you have the habit of praying together as a family? How do you make family prayer time special? I’d love for you to comment below! Now is the perfect time to grow in your prayer life.
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