Cultivating a Family Prayer Life

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with grateful hearts, thanking You for the gift of family and the privilege of coming together to seek Your face. As we gather in Your presence, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to be among us, guiding our thoughts and opening our hearts to the message You have for us today. Lord, teach us the importance of prayer within our families and help us to cultivate a strong, unified prayer life that honors You and strengthens our bonds with one another. May Your peace, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as we delve into Your Word. We commit this time to You and ask for Your blessing upon it.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Good morning,

I t is so good to be with you today as we continue in our family series “Foundations for the Family: Building Godly Homes” today’s topic is cultivating a family prayer life.

In a world that often pulls us in many different directions, it is essential for us to find ways to stay grounded in our faith and connected with each other.

Our key verse for today is Philippians 4:6-7 which says,

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This passage speaks to the heart of what we are discussing: the power of prayer to bring peace, direction, and unity into our lives.

Prayer is a gift from God, a direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father. When we bring this practice into our families, we invite God's presence into our homes, creating an environment where faith can flourish and relationships can grow stronger.

Today, we will explore why family prayer is so important, how we can establish a consistent prayer routine, and the incredible impact that praying together can have on our lives.

So let’s begin with the first point:

Understanding the Importance of Family Prayer

The word pray, prayer, prayed, praying: 398 times in the KJV in 386 verses, from Gen.12:13-Jude 20.

Phil 4:6-7 speaks of the importance of prayer.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Point 1: Prayer is a Source of Peace

- Prayer combats anxiety and worry.

- Actively bring prayer into your family invites God's peace into the home.

Illustration: Praying with all my children individually every night at bed time.

When families come together in prayer, they not only present their own requests to God but also intercede on behalf of one another. This communal act of petitioning and thanksgiving builds a supportive and encouraging environment.

Did you know years later after our kids grew into teens and young adults, God used them to bring me encouragement when I was facing some challenging this as most Pastor’s do at time. Just to give one example of many which I could tell about each of them I will only share one.

When Tori was a Soph. or Jr. in HS knew I was going through a tough patch. And one Sunday morning as I walked into my office here at the church on my desk was a sticky note that she had wrote to me…here is what it said:

“I love you daddy :) keep your head up and remember God will always be by your side, even through the hard times. Phil.4.13

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Prayer brings peace, teaching your children how and when to pray teaches them where peace is located. I was so down, discouraged, and the good Lord uses my children from time to time to bring me back to what matters the most, by helping me remember the faithfulness of God. I believe praying with my kids each night help product this kind of spiritual fruit.

Establishing a Family Prayer Routine

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Point: Establishing a Family Prayer Routine

Infusing Joy into Family Prayer Times

Explanation: Start prayer sessions with joyful sharing to remind everyone of God's goodness.

Application: Use engaging worship songs or creative activities like drawing to make prayer time enjoyable, especially for children

Setting Specific Times for Family Prayer

Explanation: Designate regular prayer times to ensure consistency.

Application:

- Mornings: Begin the day with a short prayer for guidance.

- Meals: Pause to thank God for provision.

- Bedtime: End the day with reflection and gratitude.

Cultivating a Habit of Gratitude in Family Prayers

Explanation: Make thanksgiving central in prayers to foster a positive outlook.

Application: Encourage sharing of things to be thankful for during prayer time.

Teaching Children the Importance of Thanking God Regardless of Circumstances

Explanation: Teach children gratitude even in difficult times, building resilience and faith.

Application: Share Bible stories or personal testimonies about gratitude, encouraging children to thank God in all circumstances.

The Power of Praying Together

Matthew 6:9–13 ESV

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

The Lord's Prayer, given by Jesus Himself, serves as the perfect model for how we should pray. It is not just a set of words to be recited, but a framework that guides us in approaching God with reverence, dependence, and trust. As a family, using this prayer can shape our own prayers, ensuring they are comprehensive and heartfelt.

Breaking Down Each Part of the Lord's Prayer and Its Application to Family Life

1. Our Father in heaven

Acknowledge God as our loving Father who cares for us. As a family, remind each other of God's fatherly love and His desire to have a close relationship with each of us. This recognition fosters a sense of belonging and security within the family unit.

2. Hallowed be your name

Teach your family to honor and respect God's name in all they do. Discuss ways to glorify God in your daily lives and decisions, encouraging each family member to live in a manner that reflects God's holiness.

3. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

Pray together for God's will to be done in your family, community, and the world. Encourage family members to seek God's guidance in their personal decisions and to work towards bringing His kingdom values of love, justice, and mercy into your home and beyond.

4. Give us today our daily bread

Trust God for your daily needs. As a family, present your requests for provision, whether they are financial, emotional, or physical needs. This part of the prayer teaches reliance on God and gratitude for His continual provision.

5. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors

Model forgiveness within the family. Encourage open conversations about the importance of seeking and granting forgiveness, fostering a culture of grace and reconciliation in your home. This can prevent resentment and build a stronger, more loving family relationship.

6. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one

Pray for protection from spiritual and moral dangers. Together, discuss the challenges each family member faces and ask God for strength and guidance to overcome them. Emphasize the importance of supporting one another in staying true to God's ways.

By breaking down the Lord's Prayer and applying its principles to family life, you create a solid foundation for your family prayers. This prayer covers all aspects of our relationship with God and others, making it an ideal model for how we should communicate with our Heavenly Father together as a family.

Conclusion

Let us commit today to making family prayer a priority. Trust in God’s promise that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. As we do, we will experience the transformative power of prayer, bringing us closer to God and to one another.

May God bless each of our families with the desire and dedication to cultivate a vibrant prayer life. Let us pray together as we conclude this sermon.

Closing Prayer

Gracious Father,

We thank You for the truths we have received today about the power and importance of family prayer. As we leave this place, we ask for Your guidance and strength to implement what we have learned. Help us to establish a routine of prayer within our homes, to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. May our family prayers be a source of unity, strength, and peace, drawing us closer to You and to one another. Lord, bless each family represented here, and may Your presence be felt in our homes as we seek to honor You through our prayers. We trust in Your faithfulness and look forward to witnessing Your work in our lives.

In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.