Prayer is intimacy with God that leads to the fulfillment of his purposes.

-Alvin Reid

We all seem to be spending more time at home. Let’s face it: where are we going to go? This means that some families are doing more structured Bible lessons and prayers together. This is great, but it can be difficult. Here’s a prayer guide to add some knowledge and strength to your family prayer times, and we’ll start with what NOT to do!

Do not begin by asking, “Does anyone have any prayer requests?” Prayer in Scripture doesn’t start this way, and neither should it in your home. Another way to not start is by suggesting that we “pray around the circle”. That forces everyone to pray and is especially difficult if you go last!

Instead, prayer times should be Scripture-fed. Never pray with a closed Bible. Start with an open Bible and let God start the conversation.

Where the mind is not brimming with Scripture, the heart is not brimming with prayer.

-John Piper

Prayer time should also be Spirit-led. This visualization is a great way to explain the concept to younger Christians: God has paid for you to have a tutor: the Holy Spirit. The cost was high: the blood of Christ, and it shouldn’t be wasted. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just visit once a week like an average tutor. Instead, he dwells inside us and tutors us on a moment-by-moment basis to teach us to pray.

Another great illustration is this: a toddler asking a parent for whatever happens to be in their hand; candy, keys, etc. As children mature, the relationship is desired more than what is in the hand. The same is true for us. If all we seek is God’s hand, we miss his face. But if you seek his face, he is always delighted to share the provisions of his hand. Keep this in mind during prayer.

Let the first half of your family prayers be turned to God. This is patterned off of the Lord’s Prayer. Let the second half of your prayer be turned toward people. Seek his face first and then his hand.