In the hustle of modern family life—homework, sports, work, dinner, laundry, bedtime—it’s easy to let spiritual habits slip to the background. But if there’s one simple, powerful tradition that can bring your family closer to each other and to the Lord, it’s family prayer.
Family prayer doesn’t require a perfect setting, fancy words, or a long block of time. Just a few heartfelt moments each day can create a spirit of peace, protection, and unity in your home.
Let’s talk about why family prayer matters, and then I’ll share some real-life, doable tips to help you make it a lasting habit.
🕊️ Why Family Prayer Matters
1. It Invites the Spirit
When we pray together, we invite the Spirit into our home. This simple act of turning to God together can soften hearts, calm chaos, and increase love.
“The family that prays together stays together.” – President Thomas S. Monson
2. It Teaches Children to Turn to God
Praying as a family teaches children how to pray and who to turn to in times of need. It helps them build a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father, modeled first through the people they trust the most—you!
3. It Strengthens Family Bonds
Saying family prayer every morning or night becomes a sacred routine—a pause button where you connect, check in, and unite in faith.
4. It Brings Protection and Peace
Heavenly Father honors the prayers of families who seek Him. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that “families that pray together are blessed together.”
🙏 How to Make Family Prayer a Habit
You don’t need to overhaul your routine—just look for the natural touchpoints in your day, and build from there.
1. Pick Consistent Times
The easiest way to build a habit is to tie it to something you’re already doing, like:
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Right before breakfast or leaving for school
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After dinner and before evening activities
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As part of the bedtime routine
Keep it simple. Even one consistent time is a great place to start.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet (Especially with Little Ones)
A heartfelt, sincere prayer doesn’t have to be long. Encourage short, simple prayers that focus on gratitude and specific needs.
💡 Example:
“Please help us be kind today.”
“We’re thankful for our food and our home.”
“Please bless Grandma while she’s sick.”
3. Get Everyone Involved
Even toddlers can fold their arms and say a few words. Let children take turns offering the prayer. It helps them feel included and teaches them to speak to their Heavenly Father from the heart.
💬 Tip: If a child feels nervous, let them repeat after a parent the first few times.
4. Create a Prayer Spot or Routine
Having a regular place—like the living room couch or someone’s bedroom—can help anchor the habit. Or create a visual cue, like lighting a candle or ringing a bell before prayer time.
🖼️ Add-on Idea:
Display a little “Family Prayer” sign or write a scripture about prayer on a chalkboard or dry-erase board nearby.
5. Make It Special, Not Stressful
Sometimes kids are squirmy, the baby’s crying, or someone’s grumpy. That’s okay. Don’t stress if prayer time feels imperfect—what matters most is that you keep showing up.
Consistency > perfection.
6. Celebrate the Habit Together
As the habit grows, celebrate your efforts as a family! You might:
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Use a sticker chart for younger kids
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Write down answered prayers in a family prayer journal
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Talk about how prayer is helping you feel more peace
💛 Final Thought
Family prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen our homes and invite the Savior into our daily lives. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be consistent. One prayer, one day at a time, will bring immeasurable blessings into your home.
Do you have a family prayer tradition that works well for you? I’d love to hear it in the comments below!
