Meaningful family prayer times–beyond a bedtime or mealtime routine–is it possible during these busy seasons of raising kids?
Whether or not you observe Lent, this is a prime season for directing our focus to the sacrifice Christ made for us. This can also be a perfect time to begin or deepen a time of family prayer.
Here are 6 family prayer activities to do together at home.
**I’ve created a free PDF download with printable verses, simple directions, and extra helps to go with each of these prayer activities. If you receive these blog posts in your e-mail, check the very bottom of this message for your free PDF.
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The goal of these activities is to bring your family together, no matter the kids’ ages, to connect with each other and God. These creative activities will help you all begin to experience prayer beyond the normal routines — through a creative act, experiencing nature together, and recognizing the gifts God has given you.
My hope and prayer is that your family will begin to experience a deepening love for God and each other through prayer. Try a new activity each week, or find one your family loves and do it once a week, or maybe a couple times leading up to Easter. It may take you a few tries to get going. Don’t be surprised if you experience interruptions and frustrations. Praying together is worth working to find what works for your family.
1. Start a Family Prayer Journal
Take a simple spiral bound notebook or a composition journal and begin recording your prayer requests with dates. Once a week, ask each family member how you can pray for each other in the coming week. Make sure you write down answers to prayers too. It’s exciting to begin a record of how you’ve seen God work in your lives and community. Leave the notebook on the kitchen counter or on the kitchen table for everyone to see throughout the week.
(Family Prayer Prompts included in the PDF)
2. Prayer Walk
Take a walk around your neighborhood or town and pray together as you walk. Pray for your neighbors and their families and the situations you know they are facing. If you don’t know your neighbors, ask God to give you opportunities to get to know them well.
If you’re walking through town, stop at community buildings such as police and fire stations or city hall, and pray for those who work and serve your community, for wisdom and protection as they lead your town. (Short prayers included in the PDF)
3. Pray one of Paul’s prayers
Prayers in scripture are great examples to follow. Take some of Paul’s prayers to the churches in the books of the New Testament and pray them, inserting your family members’ or friends names. (Printable verses included in the PDF)
4. Make a praise and thanksgiving collage
Find pictures in magazines or online and paste them together in a collage as a visual reminder of all you have to thank God for. You could also draw pictures or make word lists of your thanksgiving.
Have each family member explain the pictures on their collage and what they are thankful for. Pray together thanking God for all these gifts.
Post the collages in your kitchen as a reminder on hard days of what you can be grateful for.
5. Take a walk in nature and read some Psalms
Find a nearby trail or park and go for a family walk. Read through some passages from Psalms at various points in your walk. Try going at sunset, or for a moonlight walk for extra adventure. (Printable verses included in the PDF download.)
6. Write a love letter to God
Take some time to write a letter telling God how much you love Him and thanking Him for Jesus who died on the cross for your sins so you can spend forever in Heaven with Him. Thank Him for how your life has changed because of His love and let Him know what you are looking forward to in Heaven.
Read your letters together as family, with each letter being an act of prayer.
How does your family pray together? Do you have any special routines or activities?