When I was young, my parents made a strong effort to pass on the Catholic faith to me and my siblings. We were enrolled in Catholic school, even though my dad worked two jobs to afford tuition. We also attended Mass each Sunday. At home, a large portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus adorned a wall near the front door. Saint statues and medals could be found in various rooms. But I realize now that my parents didn’t always feel comfortable leading us in family prayer. When I became a mom, I tried to incorporate prayer before meals, and I encouraged prayer before a long road trip or when someone was ill or in need. However, we didn’t have a prayer routine and I wished I had been more intentional about daily family prayer.

Many families today are finding it difficult to pray together, attend weekly Mass and practice the traditions and devotions of the past. However, we are all seeking more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and even self-control. These are gifts of the Spirit that God wants to bestow upon us. We can be blessed in this way and bless others when we allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to permeate our lives by growing closer to Christ through prayer, the Sacraments, and charity.

Father Patrick Peyton, who came to be known as the Rosary Priest, coined the phrase, the family that prays together stays together.

Prioritizing prayer puts Jesus at the center of our lives and opens our hearts to the fruits of the spirit – a source of grace for families today. To learn more, visit MakingSpaceforGrace.org.

-Teresa Peterson