Family Prayer Time Format?

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eydey

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I would like to spend some extra time in prayer with my family (in addition to praying before meals). I have two young children (4 & 2) and would like to start praying in a way that is engaging for the kids, also. Other than the Rosary or Hours, are there any suggestions on how to go about doing this?
 
My Dad led the family in prayer every night before we went to bed. We said the Our Father the Hail Mary the Glory Be and the Guardian Angel prayer. You could also add the Act of Contrition. It didn’t take too long, but we knew it was the end of the day and God would be watching our for us during the night.
 
eydey said:
I would like to spend some extra time in prayer with my family (in addition to praying before meals). I have two young children (4 & 2) and would like to start praying in a way that is engaging for the kids, also. Other than the Rosary or Hours, are there any suggestions on how to go about doing this?
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If I may suggest a very good Catholic Prayer book… Catholic Book of Prayers. In the book you will find morning prayers, evening prayers, prayers before bed, etc. Your children are still young and if they become used to praying as a family before bed, in the morning, before meals, it will stay with them into adulthood. God bless.
 
In my family, we would always kneel down together and pray at the end of the day too. We said an Act of Contrition, Hail Mary, Our Father, and the Guardian Angel prayer.

We also added in our own prayer of blessing important people that my parents decided would be good. Growing up this was a great prayer because it was a special bond that we made. It was really simple, and said, “God Bless Catherine, Thomas, Anna, Maria, etc…” all the way through all sibling, parents, grandparents, and godparents. We ended with 'Holy Family watch over us, guide us, and protect us." I really liked this one growing up especially because whenever a new sibling was coming (I’m the oldest of 8) we would also bless the new baby and because it was a great way to learn a very basic way of how to pray for other people.

Hope this helps!
 
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. It seems that everyone has their own tradition when spending quality prayer time together as a family. I’m looking forward to incorporating them into my own prayer time with my family.

@Tietjen - It’s too bad I can’t see the inside of this book. I’ve looked on Google Books and BN.com and couldn’t get a preview of the inside.
 
Praying the Angelus at 6:00 or noon is also a great family prayer to introduce. Have your children face a crucifix as you pray it. 😃
 
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