When we pray in a group, we’re vulnerable. Even if it’s just our family surrounding us, it’s easy to feel uncomfortable. That’s because prayer comes from the most intimate part of our being. Our hopes and fears are laid bare when we bring them to God in prayer.

I think that feeling of vulnerability is why we don’t pray as a family more often. There’s no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed, but it is a difficult thing to do. At the same time, when it comes to passing on our faith to our children, praying as a family is the most important part of our daily ritual. In praying together, both formally and from the heart, we are teaching them to pray.

Family prayer time should be a nonnegotiable, happening every single day regardless of the circumstances or how far past bedtime you are. The family is the most basic community within the Church, and if the Church is going to be healthy and carry out Her saving mission, we have to make sure that the family is healthy.

Take courage, find a time that will work (probably just before you tuck your little ones into bed), and pray as a family, every single day.

Tags: Parenting