6 Benefits of Praying Together as a Family

It has never been more important for families to pray together. Prayer is the foundation of the Christian home and is one of the best ways to help your family thrive. We are living in a time where we are experiencing an unprecedented cultural attack on biblical values and the structure of the home. Busy schedules, technology distractions and a general lack of enthusiasm also make this vital goal difficult. It’s important that we change the focus of our families from the world to the Lord, and the mood of our households from one of frustration to one of peace and joy. When you pray together as a family, each member learns what it means to be intimate with God and when you see answers to prayer, you experience His love and presence in your daily lives. Here are six benefits of praying together as a family.

It Releases Your Deepest Hurts

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When you pray out loud, it gives your family the opportunity to release their deepest hurts, giving them a voice. When you give your emotions a voice and a name, they become valid. When your feelings and emotions are validated and understood by a God who loves you, then you’re on the road to recovery. Praying together as a family also gives each person an opportunity to forgive themselves and forgive others. Realize obeying God’s command to forgive frees you from your pain. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins in the same way we forgive others.” It may take time and much soul searching before you feel like you’re truly ready to let go, but ultimately forgiving is godly and what He wants for us.

It Protects

Pray for your spouse, parents, children and extended family every single day. When you pray, it’s important to ask for His protection over your family every day. As a parent, you hold a major responsibility to make your kids aware of the importance of prayers in a family, as children are extremely vulnerable and the choices they make in their growing years will shape their future. Recognize that whatever you set your hand to do shall prosper, for God supplies your every need. Ask God, in the name of Jesus to protect you, your spouse and children throughout this day and night, to protect your house from any intrusion and to protect your family from any harmful demonic, physical and mental attacks.

It Builds Unity and Intimacy

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Prayer builds unity and intimacy not only with the person to whom we pray, but the people we pray with, and those we pray for. By praying together, a couple’s relationship and home life can be changed for the better. By praying together, a broken family can be restored. Remember, family members can never change each other, but God can change them if you invite Him to do so. No matter what struggles you face today, none are too big for God to solve, if you will humble yourself before each other and the Lord and ask for His help. When you experience the tangible presence of God that comes through praying together, it can change not only the marriage but also the spiritual climate of the home.