Power of Family prayer

One of the ways we can strengthen our families is through family prayer.  In a talk given by Elder John H. Groberg, he shares with us the power that family prayer can have in strengthening the family.

 President Marion G. Romney has so clearly stated, “The efficacy of our prayers depends on how we care for one another.” (Ensign, Nov. 1980, p. 93.) Family prayer is fully effective, then, only as we rise from our knees and, with increased love and understanding, take better care of each other."

 "We all want more love and unity in our families. We all need more help with some who may be wayward or in special need. We all desire more assurance of divine guidance and direction.

I promise you that as you consistently and fervently pray as a family, and as each member takes his or her turn and sincerely prays for others, impressions will come as to what you individually should do to help others. Thus, you can, in family prayer, receive personal and family revelation as to how to love and serve one another."

 We started having family prayer with our children after we moved away from all of our extended family.  We were alone in a new state, the kids were small, and we needed strength. We struggled to find comfort and often found ourselves on our knees pleading to a loving Heavenly Father for help.  The children were homesick and we began to pray for them.  I could see our Father in Heaven's influence as he answered our pleas and we began to include the children so they could also have assurance that their prayers were being answered as well. 

 It seemed like any time we missed, our kids would get upset.  With late nights and busy schedules we were eager to put them to bed, but their examples to us came with power and a realization that this was more important than anything else at that time.  A few minutes for prayer would not change the amount of sleep they were going to get overall.  A few minutes to talk to our Father in Heaven who gives us all and blesses our lives, we could spare those few minutes.

 I have seen their humble prayers improve from the standard repeat prayers to heartfelt and thoughtful prayers as they think about who they are praying for, what they are praying for, and what they are thankful for.  It has been a huge blessing to our family.  One last thought from Elder Groberg's talk,

"Think of what you teach by having family prayer. Then think of what you teach by not having family prayer."