As I get older, it seems that I more often think and reflect on the stuff of my childhood growing up on a farm between Breckenridge and St. Louis, Michigan. In our home, prayer was important. Our whole family prayed the rosary most days, prayer before meals always, weekly and sometimes daily mass, and the Morning Offering and the “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayer at night. In our Exodus 90 men’s group we were lamenting that prayer didn’t seem to be that prevalent in our homes, anymore.
As men of God, we all pray, everyday and many times throughout the day as do our spouses. Yet, we don’t pray as a family. My wife, Mary Jo, is very prayerful as I observe her pray the rosary, have morning prayer, and go to mass. Still, the only times we pray together are at mass and before meals. In our men’s group we were wondering how we could be prayer leaders in our families. One member stated that it would be easier if he knew he had the support of his spouse and children.
I have tried something in my home that I have had some success with. I also do this after choir practice. I simply make the Sign of the Coss, verbalizing the words, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen” Everything stops. Conversation stops, and I have everyone’s attention. Then I lead them in the Lord’s Prayer, a Hail Mary or some other memorized prayer that we all know. Sometimes we pray the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer. I might ask participants to verbalize an intention they have and ask God’s intervention. Maybe just verbalize something they are grateful for. Then, we close by repeating the Sign of the Cross, and hugs.
It was not easy the first time I did it. I felt like I might be interfering or intruding in their conversation. Would they respond or just ignore me? I waited for the right moment and began. To my great surprise, they followed right along and participated. I can’t say that it has become a family habit, but it is moving in that direction.
As parents we have the responsibly to raise our children to be prayers. That means that we must lead them in prayer together and not just let them see us pray. The family is the most basic level of Church where everyone learns, not just about Jesus, but encounters him in a personal way. It is in the home where we learn to pray, learn the Bible, and learn to be moral and ethical people. The Domestic Church, the home, is where we learn to love and be loved. A virtuous and holy life begins at home, with prayer.
It is my fervent hope that all mothers and fathers make a practice of leading their children in prayer. Praying before meals and just before bed are great time to get started.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our children prayed?
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
