• A Godly Family In An Ungodly World

• Family Prayer
Family Recreation
• Preservation, Privilege,
Protection, and Priority

• Family Prayer
• As we began the study of Godly families resting upon a sure foundation, we learned every family is to begin spending time in God’s word together.
• The challenge we want to consider today is to make time for prayer in your household.
• I hope you find the study of this subject beneficial to your family.
• Remember, the family that prays together, stays together.

• Family Prayer
• A family unit is established upon divine creation and Satan utilizes any circumstances that promote disputes and destruction within a relationship.
• Ephesians 4:26–27 “Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity”.
• 1 Peter 5:7–8 “casting all your anxiety upon Him, because he cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”.
• These days, the majority of families rarely participate in activities together, directing their attention to the television or computer or other things.

• Family Prayer
• In forfeiting dialogue with family members, parents and children lack unity from God through prayer.
• We may recall the familiar child’s family prayer, “God is great, God is good. And we thank Him for this food.”
• As a child facing the probability of a “creature” hiding under the bed they pray, “If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take”.
• These prayers are actually good for very young children.

• Family Prayer
• Some families may choose prearranged prayers or repetition (at least when starting off), while others may prefer spontaneous, less structured prayers.
• Either way, teaching our children to pray is the best thing we can do for them.
• In both cases, prayers are a privilege that require a commitment between parent and child as well as God.
• Including God in daily circumstances helps both child and parent to understand one another better.

• Family Prayer
• With the freedom of praying together, families are partners, building strong spiritual foundations in their homes.
• Corinthians 3:9,11 “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building”…”For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”.
• Family prayers should extend beyond meals and bedtime.
• Our needs extend beyond food and fears.
• Families should discuss and pray together on a variety of issues.

• Family Prayer
• By integrating a Bible verse(s) (Ephesians 6:1–3) with prayer, children can be encouraged to ask God to help them obey their parents.
• Parents show their obedience to God by respecting and honoring each other.
• 1 Peter 3:7 “You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered”.
• Children experience security as they witness their parents praying for God’s help as well.

• Family Prayer
• As the mother seeks to please God in her prayers, God rewards her family (Proverbs 31:10–12, 28-29).
• As the father assumes his place as spiritual leader in the home, God blesses the family.
• Genesis 18:19 “For I have chosen him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice; in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him”.
• By example, their children will approach the Lord regularly as if they we were crawling up into a loving Father's lap.

• Family Prayer
• In family prayer, it is important to remember that our Heavenly Father loves to talk with children and cares deeply about their problems.
• Knowing that He protects and rescues us from our fears provides invaluable peace and unity to a family.
• Praying together allows children to voice their concerns to both an earthly parent and their “Heavenly Father” simultaneously.
• Romans 8:15 “for you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba Father!”

• Family Prayer
• Prayer plants a hedge of protection around families.
• Though family prayer is effective in strengthening members, it’s often difficult to find a specific prayer time.
• Parents approach family prayer with the best of intentions, only to find schedule conflicts.
• A parent may feel unqualified to lead in prayer, believing that they will appear ineffective communicating with God.

• Family Prayer
• So are there guidelines to establishing family prayer as priority each day?
• Family Prayers . . . all it takes is T.I.M.E
• Talk about whatever is bothering you, no matter how small (1 Peter 5:7—casting our cares upon Him).
• Invite God to reveal His purposes, plans, and desires for your life (1 John 5:14–15 learn God’s will and ask for it, and He will grant it).
• Make God the head of your home (Deuteronomy 6:5–9).
• Expect God to respond as you humble yourself before Him (Mark 11:22–25 thank God as if what we ask is already done).

• Family Recreation
• “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT
• Have you ever heard the saying, “All work and no play makes for a dull day?”
• While the wording may sound elementary, the truth of that saying is not.

• Family Recreation
• Many families and relationships are without life (dull) or decaying because some couples and families are forgetting to make time to enjoy the blessings of life together.
• We have emphasized that if we are going to reach, rescue and restore godly families, we must incorporate God’s word and prayer into our family structure and routines.
• However, not only should our families be engaged in these spiritual disciplines together, it is also important that families make time for another critical element of a strong family unit – FUN!
• A word of caution here is necessary. Do not forget God.

• Family Recreation
• Imagine a household where there are no smiles, sounds of laughter or evidence of joy.
• Does this truly glorify God?
• A godly home or family that reflects the presence and power of God will exemplify the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.[Galatians 5:22]).
• However, due to misplaced priorities and our “supposedly” busy and hectic schedules, many families don’t even spend quality time together enjoying the blessings of the family and, therefore, wind up reflecting dullness, misery and fear.

• Family Recreation
• When is the last time your family spent time playing games together, on a trip or even eating dinner together?
• Is there joy and laughter within your home?
• Do your children (and spouse) get to see you smile each day?
• Do you allow them to share your sorrows?

• Family Recreation
• Husbands/wives have you allowed your children to take away your time together?
• Do your attitude and actions make it seem like being a child of God is a blessing or a burden?
• Starting this week, make time for your family.
• Laugh daily with them.
• Find creative ways to play together.

• Family Recreation
• You would be amazed at what you can and will learn about the people you call family.
• Not only will you be blessed but your family will too, and God will be glorified.
• Reevaluate and adjust your work schedule and other priorities that we often allow to take precedence over our families.
• We’ve never heard of a person on their deathbed saying, “I wish I had spent more time at work.”

• Conclusion
• Whether it is our prayer life or play life, we will find that families that cherish both are stronger.
• Life is short.
• Enjoy the time that God gives you with your family.
• And make sure that God is a vital part of YOUR family.

By Carey Scott from some material by Anthony Campbell

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