From the daily commute to our weekly errands, homework assignments, after-school activities and everything in between, it’s as if American families have less time than ever to sit down and spend time together, let alone in prayer. Families who live their lives separately due to hectic schedules or other circumstances may be predisposed to weaker relationships, frequent fighting, succumbing to substance abuse, and even long-term or permanent separation. Jesus Himself knew this when He said during an illustration, “a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” (Mark 3:25, NLT)
But amidst a persistent problem is always a solution with careful study of the Bible and diligent listening of The Lord’s instructions. Families who find themselves strapped for prayer time together can take practical steps toward this invaluable asset and should strive to achieve it in their daily activities for the health of the family. Similar to family dinners strengthening relations among family members, many benefits can be realized through consistent family prayer for children and their parents alike, including those that impact their mental well-being, physical health, and even family protection.
The Power of Family Prayer
While family prayer time may appear to be a clichéd routine of the past, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Prayer opens the door to a multitude of benefits for each member involved and has the genuine power to change lives. For children, consistent family prayer gives them the opportunity to practice their faith founded on biblical principles and see the results. For adults, prayer allows them to acknowledge that Christ is the head of their household and will provide for and take care of the family. Reverence to God is established, unity is present, and order and peace begin to operate in the family.
There is a special kind of power that comes through family prayer. As Jesus taught in Matthew 18:19-20 KJV, “…if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” This means that prayer is actually stronger when the family comes to pray together as a group! And since God created the structure of the family, this biblical principle of multiplication makes sense.
What’s more, the 2013 Pew Research Poll revealed that 75% of Americans believe prayer is an important part of their day-to-day lives. Similar scientific polls indicated that atheists admitted they sometimes pray, too. The mentioned Pew Research Poll concluded that prayer can help people gain self-control, be friendlier, more forgiving, and combat the negative effects of stress.
Other benefits of family prayer include opportunities for thankfulness, and that doesn’t mean it’s only for the Thanksgiving holiday. Simply put, family prayer gives everyone a time to reflect and thank God for the good things in their lives, since “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” according to James 1:17, KJV. And since prayer is two-way communication with a living God, families also have the benefit of receiving answers to their prayers from the God who loves them.
How to Incorporate Family Prayer in Hectic Schedules
For families who seem to live minute-by-minute in their schedules, establishing prayer time can be remarkably simple. Prayer can take as much or as little time as a family needs, from saying grace at the table to a few brief words before setting out in the morning.
Prayer does not always need to be formal, either. Mothers and children can pray for their fathers while away at work, parents can pray for their children, and so forth. If possible, combine prayer time with family Bible lessons for an even greater impact. Turn off cell phones and the television while praying whenever it’s practical to help focus on what is being said. Encourage everyone in the family to not be shy in participating in the prayer. Not all prayers have to start out with “thees” and “thous,” after all!
As family members become more comfortable with praying aloud, it will become as natural to them as talking in natural conversations. And each time a family prays together, they become spiritually stronger with bolder and brighter futures than ever thought possible.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
