Intentional Practices - Prayer

For the past six or so weeks, there has been a collective pause. And in this pause, we have the unique opportunity to examine our typical practices. We have a moment to think intentionally about how our families function, the rhythms and routines we participate in. We are all anxious to get back to “normal.” and it would be easy for us, at the end of this time to just pick up and start right back where we were.
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But what if… what if we began practicing some intentional rhythms now that we could carry forward. What if we did it together, as individual families and collectively as a church family? What if we established these in the next few weeks so that when life returns to normal, we could continue them? It only takes 21 days to establish a habit, so let’s make the most of this time.

How? Start simple. Think about the anchors that already exist in your day. There are a few less of them right now, perhaps, but what are the constants? Do you always eat breakfast as a family? Right before your essential worker leaves for the day? Do you find yourself all around the dining table to begin your school and office work? A mandatory break time halfway through school work? Do you all gather for an evening movie or TV show? Perhaps it’s naptime or bedtime routines already in place. Whatever it is, pick an anchor that has a little wiggle room to be stretched just a few minutes longer.

Now what? We’re going to add one element at a time. Remember, this is something we’re doing together as a church family. We hope that as you add an element, you will think about the other families at FPC who are doing the same thing during their day.

The first element: Prayer 
The first element we want to add is family prayer. But, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Use the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, the one we say every Sunday, the Lord’s Prayer. Pick your anchor time and recite the Lord’s Prayer aloud. Here are some age appropriate ways to do so:

• Preschool and younger - Recite it with them in a call and repeat style to help them begin to memorize it. If they are particularly young, simply pray it over them, aloud.
• Elementary - If they have not yet memorized it, writing it out somewhere visible can help. Or use the call and repeat style mentioned above. For those that have memorized it, repeating it daily can help to solidify it in their minds. Use the next suggestion when they’re ready.
• Middle School - Go through each phrase, one each day and ask them what it means. Why do we pray “Hallowed be thy name? What does that mean?” Ask them to say it in their own words. Read Matthew 6:7-13 in several translations.
• High School - If appropriate, go through each phrase to clarify. If they are very familiar with these and understand them well, go deeper with the “why” questions. Ask them to rewrite the Lord’s Prayer in their own words. Ask them why it’s important to recite the Lord’s Prayer, why Jesus included each element in his model prayer, or how it should and does affect their daily walk with Jesus. Read Matthew 6:7-13 in several translations.

Go one step further. If you’re already doing this and looking for a bit more, give your children an opportunity to add intercessory prayer for friends, family members, ministries across the world, specific groups of people, etc. Or add prayers of confession. Lead by example with these by going first and sharing your own concerns for others or shortcomings. You don’t have to be explicit in ways that are not age appropriate, but confessing to God and asking forgiveness for a short temper or a bad mood can go a long way in spiritual education for children. 

Lastly download the New City Catechism app if you haven’t already. It’s free and easy to use. Familiarize yourself with it, as we’ll use it next week! Or find your New City Catechism book, if physical books are more your thing. (Let me know if you need a copy, we have a few extras.)