[1]NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–A call for families to pray together is sounded by Shirley Dobson, who chairs the National Day of Prayer task force, in the April issue of HomeLife, a family magazine published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
“Families that pray together don’t just stay together, important as that is. They lay hold of the very power of God to cope with the challenges of daily living,” writes Dobson, who is the wife of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family.
“Mealtime and bedtime prayers are a great starting point,” Dobson writes, “but they’re only the first step.”
Among her suggestions for establishing more in-depth family prayer:
— Set regular times for family prayer gatherings.
— Keep a journal of prayer requests. “Occasionally read back over former needs and concerns to refresh your memory and jump start prayers of thanksgiving,” Dobson adds.
— Pray aloud together, which is “the best way for young children to learn the ‘mechanics’ of effective prayer,” Dobson writes. “With children, prayers can be sung, staged, danced, painted, drawn — the possibilities are practically limitless!
“Families that pray together are committed, communicative, loving and built upon the one firm foundation,” Dobson writes. “Their health and wholeness shine like lights in a rapidly darkening and dysfunctional world. Their eyes are open to realities that others refuse to see; they walk hand in hand with Christ through a larger, more wondrous world than some are capable of imagining.
“Through prayer they’ve established direct links between their homes and the heart of the King of all creation.”
A booklet on “The Power of Family Prayer” is available from the National Day of Prayer offices at 1-800-444-8828. The cost is $4.
This year’s National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 6.
Subscription information for HomeLife is available by phoning 1-800-458-2772.