Passing on Prayer & Praying Throughout the Day

Passing on Prayer & Praying Throughout the Day:

When I was a kid, my mom taught our family two prayer traditions she had growing up. The first: Praying three “Hail Mary” prayers as a family when you began a road trip together, and the second: When you hear an emergency vehicle pray, “Jesus and Mary we pray, bless them on their way.” I remember not only feeling comfort by saying these prayers together growing up, but also feeling like I was helping, even if it was only in a little way, by praying for those helping others and those needing their assistance. 

Now, as a wife and mother, I realize just how important it is to teach your children prayers and praying together as a family. I didn’t know it then, but as a kid my mom and dad were helping my siblings and I build a solid prayer foundation that has helped us continue to grow in prayer as adults. I’ve passed the two prayer traditions from my childhood on to my family, and hearing my daughter recite the “Jesus and Mary prayer,” every time she hears an emergency vehicle siren, often before I’ve started praying, amazes me. Praying the “Hail Mary” together as a family, not only before road trips but before bedtime with my kids, and seeing especially my two year old son‘s love for Mary as he says “Hail Mary” and then repeats “Hail Mary” after we’ve said the prayer wanting to say it again, is something I treasure in my heart.

Teaching your children how to pray is so important, and praying together as a family and as parents modeling how to pray, are some of the most important ways you can help lay a strong faith foundation for your children. My husband and I have started trying to show our children that they can pray throughout the day—having a conversation with God. We’ve staring pausing what we’re doing at or a little after 3:00pm each day to pray a “Divine Mercy Prayer.” When my parents were babysitting my kids one day, they told me that my daughter reminded them they needed to stop and pray at three o’clock. I was amazed that she’d remembered all on her own. 

Our kids also bless themselves with holy water before going to bed and say goodnight to Jesus on our crucifix hanging in the hallway. Saying goodnight to Jesus is a simple way to help your children see that he is approachable and help them feel comfortable praying to him. 

If you don’t already, try praying throughout the day and allowing your children to see you doing this. I’m sure you’ll see them start to pray throughout the day too! Laying a strong prayer foundation is one of the best gifts you can give your children as they grow in their relationship with Christ!