By just reading my title I know it appears to sum up a whole message. There is so much depth in this statement than what we might see. The importance of this message goes beyond the nice thought of a family coming together before the Lord.
When my husband and I first started praying together at night, we’d been married about a year. I was a bit nervous about asking him to pray for our night and our current situations. I knew he didn’t grow up praying with anyone and might feel uncomfortable. To be honest, it was a bit awkward for both of us–though we never acknowledged it at the time. We made prayer a habit from there on where he would share his initial thoughts and I’d conclude our prayer with mine. What happened is my husband started to feel more like a spiritual leader in our home and I started to respect him more as such.
When we became parents, we took the opportunity to pray with our children before bed as well. It’s a precious time to teach children about God and getting them in the habit of asking Him for help, recognizing He is God of all. As well, it teaches our kids to be thankful as they become aware that God really loves them and is good to us.
It’s so hard to go to bed angry with someone when you pray together. I know many couples might decide to go to sleep without praying when they’re upset. We’ve learned from the Bible in Ephesians 4:26-27, “’Be angry, and do not sin’, do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” When you go to sleep while you’re still angry, you do tend to give place to the devil. It can cause division—-all ready it’s caused lack of fellowship with God! Knowing that you and your spouse are expected to pray before bed can help clear the air before prayer. I’ve recalled prayers saying, “God please help my husband and I gain wisdom and clarity from You. Help us to understand and respect each other’s point of view and change our hearts if we are wrong.”
I believe families who pray with each other stay together because there is unity happening. God is being glorified and recognized. Not only is there a bonding time with your family, but I believe a Spiritual covering as well.