Family prayer is transformative. Remarkably, it causes God to act, do something, and direct the course of events. As the philosopher Blaise Pascal said, “In prayer, we are invited to join Him in directing the course of His world.” Isn’t that brilliant? Prayer is more than asking God for this or that; it’s collaborating with Him as active participants in what’s happening in our families, communities, and the world.
Is your family in a prayer rut? While there are many creative ways to spice up family prayer, you can best pray Scripture.
Praying Scripture
Here’s something you can do together at the kitchen table. Open your Bible to one of the Psalms. Invite family members to read successive verses. As each verse is read, the reader should pause, engage their sanctified imagination and pray the verse back to God. Then the next verse is read by another family member, prayer follows, and so on.
Every parent and child should pray Scripture. Praying Scripture is using God’s Word directly to inform and form the content of prayer. It’s praying the Scriptures word for word, along with reflection on the words, or praying the themes of a Scripture passage in a manner that sticks close to the text.
How to Pray Scripture
Here’s an example from Psalm 23:1-2.
Scripture – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
Prayer – Lord, thank you for being my Shepherd. Thank you for taking care of everything. Because you’re my Shepherd, I know that I’m safe and you look after me. Please watch over my life and the lives of my family members …
Scripture – “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters …”
Prayer – Lord, thank you for giving me opportunities to rest. Sometimes I’m too busy for my own good and too preoccupied to see your beauty around me. Help me be still and know that you are God. Please rejuvenate me today …
A Helpful Resource
Family prayer doesn’t have to be something that’s hard to do. The Family Prayer Calendar provides a daily Scripture passage and a prayer prompt to help you and your children pray about everything, anytime.
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Summary
Praying Scripture uses Bible verses or passages as a foundation for prayer, helping families connect with God’s Word while fostering spiritual growth and stronger relationships. This practice involves selecting a meaningful verse or text, reflecting on it, and integrating it into daily prayers. By making Scripture-based prayer a habit, families can enrich their spiritual journeys and draw closer to God. Explore the benefits of praying Scripture today!
FAQ 1. Why is family prayer important in Christian homes?
Family prayer is important because it helps centre the home on God and strengthens spiritual connection between parents and children. It teaches children to depend on God in everyday life and reinforces that faith isn’t just personal but shared within the family. Regular prayer also builds unity, gratitude, and trust in God’s guidance.
FAQ 2. How do you start a habit of family prayer?
Families can start praying together by keeping it simple and consistent, such as praying before meals, at bedtime, or during a daily family moment. Parents can begin by praying short, honest prayers and gradually invite children to participate. The key is consistency rather than complexity, allowing prayer to become a natural rhythm of family life.
FAQ 3. What should we pray for as a family?
Families can pray for each other’s needs, thank God for His blessings, and ask for wisdom, protection, and spiritual growth. It’s also meaningful to pray for friends, the church, and the wider world. Over time, family prayer can include Scripture-based prayers that help children learn to pray with faith and understanding.
© Scripture Union, 2023
