Disciples of Christ Families Praying Together

By Rev. Kaye Edwards
Director of Family and Children's Ministries
Disciples Home Missions (DHM) - Deployed Staff
Lynchburg, Va.

Our faith assures us that God is always with us. The problem is that our too busy lives keep us from acknowledging God's holy presence and thus we rarely experience the sacredness of our everyday lives. Congregational worship and weekly church school classes cannot be the only times families spend in prayer if we expect to hold onto an understanding of ourselves as spiritual beings.

I am grateful to our General Minister and President, Sharon Watkins, for calling us to pray for the work of our church. Children and youth need to be encouraged to join adults in “10,000 Disciples Praying.” Even very young children can sign up to be part of this important movement.

Christian Family Week is observed each May in the United States. The dates for 2006 are May 7 -14. This is a good time for families, who have not already done so, to establish a place and a regular time for people to gather for prayer and worship. Young children especially love repetition and rituals. Family worship rituals can be the most precious gift we give ourselves and our families.

Practical Steps:

Designate a place for family prayer time. Have a candle, a bible and other meaningful symbols on a table around which to gather.

Keep family prayer times simple and flexible. Light a candle to remind people of God's presence. Ringing a small bell is also helpful. Spend a few minutes in silence. Focusing on one's breath, taking three or four slow, deep breaths can serve to quiet busy minds. After a few moments of silence, someone can read or say a short call to worship.  The call to worship reminds us that God is already with us and that we are the ones being called into God's presence.

Read a scripture. Read or tell a bible story. Allow time for quiet reflection then have each person share what was important to them. Perhaps young children will want to draw a picture of what they heard.

Talk about concerns and joys. Have someone offer a prayer which lifts up each of the stated concerns and joys.

Establish a unique family ritual of blessing. As a closing blessing, sing a song, have a passing of the Peace of Christ, or a group hug. We need to do something that is comfortable and meaningful to our particular family.  

Resources

Family Values: A Tapestry of Choices is the theme of the 2006 Christian Family Week. Materials can be downloaded and adapted to meet your family's needs.
(http://www.homelandministries.org/FamilyandChildren/index.htm).

Contact Kaye Edwards, Director of Family and Children's Ministries, DHM, if you have questions or suggestions. kayeedwards@ntelos.net; 434.385.9451

An Intergenerational Litany

Adults: Loving God, during this time of prayer, help us to be aware of your holy presence and to experience your kingdom. We know that you promise to be with us at all times and in all places.

Youth & Children: Many are your names - Good Shepherd, Healer, Creator, Mother, Savior, Light of the World, Father, Peace Maker. (Leave a few moments for people to add other names for God.)

Adults: We are thankful for the many ways to know you. We are thankful for your support of us and your unconditional love for us.

Youth & Children: Today we pray especially for your Church. We pray that we, your followers, will trust your leading. Let us wake-up to the creativity, imagination, and hope you give us.

Adults: Help us, O God, to deepen our understanding of what we need to be doing to bring peace and healing to your world. And give us courage.

All: Amen.