The Power of Prayer in Family Relationships

Growing up, my family has tried to keep family prayer a part of our daily routine. There have been times where we have been consistent, and other times where we have fallen out of the pattern of holding family prayer. Whenever we recognize that we have fallen out of the habit to pray daily as a family, we have made an effort to correct our actions and reestablish the habit... But why?

President Thomas S. Monson shared counsel that he had once received as a newly wed:

"Every night kneel by the side of your bed. One night, [you], offer the prayer, aloud, on bended knee. The next night, [your spouse], offer the prayer, aloud, on bended knee. I can assure you that any misunderstanding that develops during the day will vanish as you pray. You simply can't pray together and retain any but the best of feelings toward one another."

The same can be applied to the family. Family prayer is a way in which to be united as one. When my family has fallen out of the habit, we became far more likely to argue, quarrel, disagree, and hold ill feelings towards one another. However, when we consistently pray as a family, we argue, quarrel, disagree, and hold ill feelings far less. Family prayer does not make us perfect, but helps us to become better perfected, and that is because it is one of the greatest ways to keep God as a part of our family relationships. Prayer is a sanctifying power that can heal and strengthen relationships.

Below is one of my favorite Mormon Messages on prayer. Although not directed toward the family, but rather an individual, there are some great lessons that can be learned from this woman's personal experience with prayer:

In the video she shared that prayer had made her more loving, more humble, and more devoted to God. I know that prayer has helped me in all of these things as well, especially with my family, but the blessings are not limited to only those things.

Some of the greatest blessings I have experienced from family prayer are:

1. Love
2. Patience
3. Forgiveness
4. Humility
5. A deeper bond with my family
6. Greater devotion
7. An increase in Spirit
8. Happiness
9. Peace
10. Alleviated anger

"Indeed, prayer helps [families] in good times and bad times. During the good times, including God in the relationship through prayer helps people to view their [family members] through God's eyes and come to view the relationship as holy and sacred. This outlook can protect [families] from the fiery darts that the adversary throws at relationships" (Hawkins, pg. 199).

It is may testimony that prayer strengthens our relationship with our Father in Heaven, as well as with our family members. I have experienced the difference it makes in my own life, when I have and have not prayed. The Spirit cannot dwell in a place where He is not welcomed, and where there is not peace. Prayer is a way in which to invite the Spirit into our homes, and a means by which the family unit can be strengthened, and find greater peace.