I think a lot of this has to do with the age of the kids. We’ve tried all sorts of things over the years . . . some more successful than others. We’ve found it best to pick a time and date all can look forward to . . . and so their minds aren’t preoccupied with their cares and concerns like homework. A big part of family prayer, imo, is creating a calm and peaceful environment for it. Once or twice a week works better for us than daily . . . I’m always mindful of “reading” my family, like you say, to make sure it’s not becoming a chore or routine. I want them to WANT to do it.
Lately our family prayer has been a very simplified form of Lectio. My wife likes to darken the room a bit and light candles . . . that really helps her. Then we begin.
Sometimes I’ll read the 2nd reading from the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours. This is a small passage from a Saint that almost acts like a very short homily. Each person “listens” for a key word or idea that particularily speaks to them. We then have a few minutes of silence as each member reflects and speaks to God in their heart about what struck them in the passage. “Hopefully” this is sparking the concept of mental prayer in my children.
Then, after the silent period, we go around the room and each person briefly describes to the rest of the family what spoke to them. This part is optional . . . no one is forced to share if they don’t feel so moved. I’m always amazed at what my family picks up on. With 6 members we sometimes have 6 different insights.
And this doesn’t have to take long . . . reading, silent prayer/reflection, sharing, concluding prayer . . . maybe 10 minutes. Sometimes family members stick around after we’re done. I REALLY like to see that . . . as it means they’re continuing to pray.
The Imitation of Christ also works good for this as, of course, would the daily Gospel. The key is to pick something relatively short.
My kids are older now (tweens and teens) so this works well for us.
Hope this helps!
Dave
PS. For whatever reason, what hasn’t worked well in our family is the group praying of formal devotions like the Rosary and Divine Mercy. But, I suppose, all families are different in that regard.
