Family Prayer
Praying together as a family is a simple but effective way of bringing God into our home life, and it can be the most unifying activity a family does together.
It is best to make a time when the family is normally together, for example at a regular meal time. We need to be quite informal in taking this service, which only lasts three to five minutes, and prepared to accept the disturbances that sometimes arise. It may be helpful to have various members of the family taking turns in leading parts of the service.
The Bible Reading may be one of those set down for the preceding Sunday and found in the Sentences, Prayers and Readings, pages 550–723.ao, or may follow some other course.
In the Prayers it is good to mention the activities of each one in the family, and the needs of others as well. Useful prayers may be found among the Collects for the various daily Services and also among the Collects for the Eucharist.
It may be helpful to use parts of The Blessing of a Home: The Family Liturgy, A Householder’s Prayer and A Blessing of Peace (pages 771–773).
Over the years there will be a need to be flexible in adapting this pattern to changing family circumstances, but it is worth persevering.
Praise
One of the following may be read.
| 1 | In the name of God the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. |
| 2 | Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen. |
| 3 | God is love. Since God loves us, we should love one another. |
| 4 | Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. |
| 5 | This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. |
| 6 | Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honour, power and might, be to our God for ever and ever! Amen. |
Bible Reading
This may be introduced by one of the following:
| 1 | Jesus said, ‘Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.’Matthew 7:7 |
| 2 | Turn for help to the Lord your strength: and constantly seek God’s presence. Remember the marvellous things the Most High has done: the wonders, and the judgments God has given.Psalm 105:4–5 |
Prayers
One or more of the following may be used.
MORNING PRAYERS
Father, we thank you for bringing us to the beginning of another day.
Help us through your Holy Spirit, so that we may not fall into sin, but may do everything that pleases
you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
With Young Children
Loving God, thank you for this new day.
Thank you for your love and care for us.
Thank you for making each of us special.
Help us today to be kind to each other.
Amen.
EVENING PRAYERS
We thank you, Lord Jesus, for the day you have given us, and for all the
pleasure we have had. Guard us while we sleep, and bless all those we love, this night and for
ever.
Amen.
With Young Children
Dear God, thank you for today.
We are sorry if we have been unkind to anyone.
Help us to forgive each other.
Thank you for our family and for our friends.
Please be with us tonight.
Amen.
A PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS
God of mercy, we are sorry that we have not always done what you wanted us
to do.
We have not loved you with all our heart, and we have not cared enough for other people. Forgive us, for
Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
A PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY
Lord Jesus, at Nazareth you shared in the life of your family. Help us to
live together in our family with love and respect for each other. Make our home a place of blessing,
peace and joy for everyone, to the glory of God the Father.
Amen.
A COLLECT
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A PRAYER FOR GOD’S LIGHT
Eternal God, shed your light on us who watch for you,
that our lips may praise you,
our hearts bless you,
and our lives glorify you,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Personal prayers may follow.
The Lord′s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
E tō mātou Matua i te rangi
Kia tapu tōu Ingoa.
Kia tae mai tōu rangatiratanga.
Kia meatia tāu e pai ai
ki runga ki te whenua,
kia rite anō ki tō te rangi.
Hōmai ki a mātou āianei
he taro mā mātou mō tēnei rā.
Murua ō mātou hara,
Me mātou hoki e muru nei
i ō te hunga e hara ana ki a mātou.
Āua hoki mātou e kawea kia whakawaia;
Engari whakaorangia mātou i te kino:
Nōu hoki te rangatiratanga, te kaha,
me te korōria,
Āke ake ake. Āmine.
The Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us all.
Amen.