When the kids were younger, I tried a Sunday night family prayer time. It failed miserably. The kids responded with rolled eyes and feigned interest. I learned that prayer does not need to be structured or complicated.
To avoid my mistake, watch for events and places to insert prayer into your daily rhythms. No fancy or eloquent words are needed. All you need is one willing mom or dad.
In the morning
A friend’s family met for a devotional time before school. The mom purchased a devotional geared for families and read it while the kids ate. She asked a few questions: What did you learn about God? Do you see yourself in this story? How could you apply the lesson to your day? Participation was open and voluntary (it was early morning after all). They prayed then scattered. As the kids grew older and schedules clashed, the mom left the devotional book open on the kitchen table for everyone to read. This practice instilled a habit of Bible reading and prayer.
Before special events
My husband and I spent hundreds of hours listening to our oldest daughter’s piano recitals, watching our son run cross country, and attending our youngest daughter’s swim meets. Not wanting an audience, we prayed in the car, a private and quiet place. We’d ask God to provide our kids with calm spirits, clear minds, and strong bodies.
In the Bible, the disciples and their families prayed for the Apostle Paul on a beach as they said goodbye (Acts 21:5-6). When our adult children embarked on a new job or moved away, each family member would place a hand on the child and pray. We asked God to go before them, protect them, and be with them. These moments were quick but memorable.
Before meals
Rote prayers are perfect for little ones. We sang “Johnny Appleseed” before we ate.
Oh, the Lord’s been good to me,
and so I thank the Lord,
for giving me,
the things I need,
the sun and the rain and the apple seed.
The Lord’s been good to me.
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Yee-haw! (We lived in Texas back then.)
The kids eventually outgrew this prayer (thank you very much) and offered original prayers instead.
When someone is ill
In this season of COVID, pray for healing. So many people are suffering. Keep a list of people to pray for. Find times to lift these friends or family members in prayer. Praying for others sows compassion.
While stuck in traffic
Despite our best intentions, we still get caught in traffic. Traffic delays test the driver’s and passengers’ patience. Pray for calm spirits and for whatever caused the delay. Was someone hurt? Seriously injured? These moments remind us to think of others.
In the moment
I’m guilty of telling people I will pray for them but forget. Why not pray immediately? Pray right then in the restaurant or on the street or in the checkout lane with your child listening in. Keep it short and to the point. Your child will discover that prayer is not relegated to a specific time or place but is a continual spiritual practice.
On walks
As you walk around the neighborhood, pray for your neighbors. Pray for connections, provision, and blessings. Ask God to draw unsaved neighbors to himself. Notice those families that might have a need (yard needs mowing, car in the driveway with hood up, trash can still out on the street). Ask God for this prayer time to lead to service and relationship.
On vacations
Before we even pulled out of the driveway, one of us would pray for safe travel. We asked God for clear roads and protection from accidents. What heritage would you leave if your family prayed together before leaving and returning to your destination?
Before bedtime
This was one of my favorite times to pray with the kids. I would ask God to remind my oldest that God made her, he did not make any mistakes, and he had big plans for her. One night she held her hand over my mouth and repeated the nightly prayer, except she said “God has big plants for me. Big purple plants.” Your prayers may not translate to your intended purpose, but you can be sure God and your kids heard you.
Another bonus of evening prayers is that tired kids are more likely to share. Take this time to listen not only to their words but to the heart as well. I know you are tired, but prayer transitions to sleep and it fills the room with the sweet aroma of prayer.
As talking to God becomes natural and routine, you will instill a culture of prayer in your family.
What other moments of the day do you pray as a family?
