5 Good Habits: Praying together
It's something Christians know they ought to be doing... but it's very easy to, well, get out of the habit. So how can we grow, not just in praying, but in praying together, with church family, and with our nuclear family?
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Serious? Never? The apostle Paul, who wrote these words, doesn't mean we should literally do nothing else. He just knows what we're all like- how easily we can simply stop praying. So he gently encourages us... if you have stopped, or perhaps if you never started... get going with praying again. Here are a few specific encouragements.
Married couples- pray with each other.
Don't aim for an hour's prayer meeting every week (though if you can, great!). Why not start with praying together for a minute before your head hits the pillow? Or after. Perhaps share one thing from the day to be thankful for. Pray for each other. Then sleep. That would be a great start.
Parents- pray with your children.
If this is a new idea, just go for it! It's simple, and helps our kids to realize being a Christian is not a set of life-style decisions, but an actual relationship with God.
Pray with them when they've got something wrong (sorry God... and thank you Jesus always forgives us...)
Pray with them at bed-time (thank you God for... please help...)
Pray with them at meal times (perhaps also share something else to pray for as well as saying thanks for the food?)
Pray with them when they're sad (Lord Jesus, please help...)
And a special word for Dad's- don't leave all the heavy lifting to your wives in this area. Take a spiritual lead. Be the Dad who actually prays with his family.
Church Family- pray with each other
Again, this might be something we're not used to doing, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be amazed how encouraging and helpful it is. Why not start with a simple question from time to time: 'is there anything I can pray for you?'
Pray with a friend on a Sunday after church
Pray with a friend when you see them socially
Ask someone to pray for you- and make the most of our Sunday Prayer Team.
Simple enough? Why not think of one positive step you can take to pick up this good habit in your own life...
