Family Prayer Time

Father/Mother: Let's begin with the sign of the Cross. All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and always will be, world without end. Amen. All: Dear Jesus, we gather to spend a few moments in conversation with you in prayer. We wish to pray for ourselves, our friends and neighbors, and for all people across the globe. We recognize that you came to invite all of us to know, love, and serve your heavenly Father, forming us into one joyful family. Parent: Jesus, please draw near to us now as we pray to the Father using the words you taught. All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Parent: Jesus, we also want to pray to your Mother. We reflect on the message the angel brought her telling her she would be your Mother. We remember her visit to Elizabeth, who honored her for saying to God, "Let it be done to me as you wish." This was a significant affirmation of faith. We ask Mary to pray for us, because we understand, Jesus, that being close to her means being close to you. All: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, nor and at the hour of our death. Amen. Parent: Jesus, as God, you existed before the world was formed. Then you became a human being to share with us the love of both yourself and the Father and the Holy Spirit. Let us give praise to this Most Holy Trinity. All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Parent: (Name), would you please read for us so we can reflect on something meaningful? (Here mother or dad asks someone to read a selected Bible story from the following.) Bible Stories The Annunciation - Luke 1:26-38. The Visitation - Luke 1:39-80. The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-20. The Baptism of Jesus - Mark 1:3-11. The Wedding at Cana - John 2:1-11. Healing the Leper - Mark 1:40-45. Feeding the Multitudes - Matthew 15:32-38. The Ten Lepers - Luke 17:11-19. The Workers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16. The Unmerciful Servant - Luke 18:21-35. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14. The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:29-37. The Good Shepherd - John 10:1-21. Parent: Let’s discuss the story a bit. Would you like to share it? Did you enjoy the story? Who were the good figures in the narrative? Were there any negative characters? If you had been present, how would you have reacted? (Here mother or dad gives each one a chance to answer. At the end, he or she can discuss a lesson that can be drawn from the story.) Parent: Now let's direct our prayers toward our family and all families everywhere. Let’s start by recalling the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph. They experienced joyful moments and challenges, such as when it rained for a week, or when Jesus wandered off in Jerusalem, or when St. Joseph faced illness, or when friends were unwell. Yet they were joyful because they cared for one another, showing kindness and support. So let us pray that God may help us to be a compassionate and loving family, each striving to obey God and support each other. (Additional thoughts can be added from time to time.) Indeed, the Holy Family had relatives and friends, and they cared deeply for them too. Remember, Mary visited Elizabeth when she was expecting, and St. Joseph, the carpenter, was always assisting neighbors. Jesus, while being just a young boy, was also God, so he treated everyone with goodness. Imagine having Jesus as a neighbor! Could he assist you with your studies? Let’s pray for our friends and family that God may bless them and protect them. As Jesus grew and began His ministry, He cherished the happy memories of His family, making it clear to everyone that we are all part of one great family with God as our Father. He taught about kindness, forgiving those who wrong us, and caring for the poor and those without families. Let us then pray for all people, especially those who feel alone or uncared for. Many people listened to Jesus and prayed with Him for the needy, wishing to help those in distress. Jesus expressed gratitude for their prayers but wished for them to join His work. Thus, His followers went out preaching God’s love, while others assisted the sick, fed the hungry, and educated children. As we mature, Jesus encourages us: "I’m grateful for your prayers regarding your family and others. I desire for you to join me too." To some, He says, "I wish for you to marry and teach your children goodness and love." To some boys, He invites, "Become priests in due time." To others, He calls, "Become religious brothers in your future." To some girls He says, "I would like you to be nuns when you are older." And to others, both boys and girls, He says, "Grow up to be single people contributing to the world and helping others understand that God loves them." Let’s pray that as we grow, we will seek to discover Jesus’ will for our lives and be ready to heed His call. CLOSING PRAYER All: Dear Jesus, we join you in prayer to our Heavenly Father for all men, women, and children around the globe, those who enjoy the warmth of family themselves to those who do not. Help us to be compassionate and generous, protect us with Your ever-watchful care. Mary, our Mother, and good St. Joseph, keep us united with Jesus so that we too may become a holy family. Amen. Parent: Now, let us conclude by asking for God’s blessing. May Almighty God bless us, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All:Amen.