Routines can be both good and bad depending on whether or not the routine begins to develop something greater or just becomes a rut in which we do the same thing over and over again. Routines help us to establish boundaries and discipline that moves us toward goals in our lives. Most families have routines they have established and I know listening to “new parents” that seeking to establish a routine for their children is one of the greater priorities in their growing families life.
Prayer also is a discipline and a routine that helps to grow both family and unity. As a parish here at St. Lucy as we continue in our mission of prayer with “A Parent Who Prays” we recognize the routine of prayer we are called share with and teach our children. But the discipline of prayer is also a lesson that we all must continually learn and grow in greater understanding of our spiritual needs and hopeful of being nearer to our Lord Jesus. I, personally, can share with you my own growth and deepening of the discipline of prayer, but I am also keenly aware of how much more I need to grow in faith, hope and love in prayer.
So here are a few prayerful hints form Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak from their little book “The Corporal Works of Mommy (and Daddy Too)”. Where they talk about daily prayer rituals where added to the formal prayer rituals of our Catholic Church each family develops, according to their needs and life circumstances. This is a discernment which will occur and all families must undertake as we journey as Christian disciples. There is nothing new or strange here just some helpful reminders.
Grace before and after meals: whether at home or out on the town prayers of thanksgiving are always important. They remind us of God’s presence and the gifts He shares with us each and every day. When we and our children discover the blessing of a simple meal we also begin to see how many blessing and gifts from God inundate our lives. It is a gift that grows.
Morning blessings for your children and spouse: This is one of the great joys we can share with one another. I remind parents and families at each baptism I celebrate what a powerful symbol it is for the family, how each child, each member of the family and each and every person is a blessing from God. Planting the seeds of blessing early on and carrying this blessing on throughout life and grows unity and purpose of following God.
Reflect on daily or Sunday Readings as a family: Spending a few minutes with the Word of God is indispensable. We recently celebrated the Memorial of St. Jerome who sagely reminded us “Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of God.” Many parishes, including St. Lucy, offers the reflection booklet “Give Us This Day” or others to help us follow the liturgical life of the Church. Following the daily and weekly readings of the Mass allows us to breathe the very Word of God Jesus Christ.
Bedtime prayers with Bible stories: Ending the day, just as we begin the day with a blessing of love. As adults doing a “daily examen” of our faults and failings directs our hearts to be conformed to God and when this happens our children see the importance of beginning and ending the day in prayer. Something as simple as the “Guardian Angel” prayer or reading a story from the Bible or books of the Saints is always good.
The Rosary: It is one of the most important prayers we can pray alone or as a family…as the great Bishop Fulton J. Sheen said, “When we say the Rosary—we are saying to God, the Trinity, to the Incarnate Savior, to the Blessed Mother: “I love you. I love you. I love you.” because love is the center of the family and God is always at the center of life.
Midday prayers: One way to unite the family is to have a small prayer we can all say when we are going about our daily task. Something simple that both the young and old can quickly an quietly pray to remind us, as family, that whether we are apart or together we are one in the Lord.
and yes…pray for our children and family using “A Parent Who Prays.
God Bless
Fr. Mark
