Tips For Praying As A Family

In this episode and blog post, I share some practical tips for praying as a family in terms of how to pray, when to pray and what to pray.

This blog and podcast episode are both part of the Missional Motherhood Series.

Missional Motherhood – Tips For Praying As A Family

Today I want to approach the subject of family prayer because it’s one of the most important parts of being a missional mom. When we pray together as a family, we’re acknowledging several things. 

• One: that God is God and He deserves our worship. 
• Two: that we sometimes sin and we need to confess that before God and each other, and walk in His light. (James 5:16)
• Three: that God is our great provider and we can trust in His goodness and power to give us what we need
• Four: that God is holy and we surrender to His will 

In fact, when praying with your kids you can use the PRAY prayer method to help you focus on different areas of prayer. 

P for praise – start with praising God as a family. 

R for repent – repent together of specific sins that have arisen between you as a family. Also ask the Lord to show you if there’s anything else you need to repent of. 

A is for Ask – ask God for the things you feel you need as a family. 

Y is for  yield – at the end of the prayer yield to God’s will together.

We’ve looked at how to pray, and so now at when and what to pray.

When to pray 

Find a time that works for the entire family and stick to it. For instance, breakfast time, dinner time, or before bed. Make it a routine, at the same every day or week, to make sure it always happens. Also make sure you make enough time for this special prayer time, and if an unforeseeable situation happens, try not to cancel this time together but adapt it. 

What to praise God for in prayer

• God’s character (holy, good, powerful, sovereign, love)
• God’s design (in giving each family member a unique set of gifts and a unique calling)
• God’s provision (shelter, food, work, school, God’s eternal kingdom)
• God’s creation (nature, animals, other people)
• God’s grace (in giving us forgiveness through Jesus)

What to repent of in prayer as a family

• Harsh words
• Critical attitude
• Revenge
• Unforgiveness
• Demanding attitudes
• Selfishness
• Impatience 
• Lack of generosity

What to ask for in prayer

In terms of subjects in the Ask section of the prayer, here are some to kick you off:

• Family members, friends or acquaintances who don’t know the Lord
• Family financial situation
• Any upcoming travel or “out of routine” situations
• Illnesses or everyday problems
• School issues
• Persecuted Christians
• Christian leaders in ministry
• Nations

How to yield to God in prayer

In terms of yielding to God in prayer, we do this by:

• Confessing God’s sovereign will
• Asking for God’s will to prevail

Ok, so these are not exhaustive lists, just some ideas to help you as a family.

That’s it for today! If this post blessed you, share it with a friend. 🙂