the family that prays together...
"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." —Joshua 24:15
Today, if possible, gather together your family and commit or recommit yourself and your household to serve the Lord. Don't give God "lip service," but realize that if your family is committed to serve the Lord, this implies frequent, probably daily, family prayer. It also implies that your family read, know, and live the Bible.
A family commitment to serve the Lord also entails making a high priority of being, eating, and playing together as a family. If your family serves the Lord, it will have to break with the ways of the world, which are contradictory to Christian family life. For example, TV will be dethroned as the center of attention when a family commits to serving the Lord. The family's lifestyle will be simplified. Even the choice of food, conversation, and clothes will change after your family decides to serve the Lord.
This commitment is by no means insignificant. Sit down with your family. Ask the Spirit to give you the right words. Talk with your family members about what it means to commit as a family to serve the Lord. Pray as a family. Expect a miracle. "This is a great foreshadowing; I mean that it refers to Christ and the Church" (Eph 5:32).
Prayer: Jesus, even as we pray, may whole families give their lives to You.
Promise: "We have come to believe; we are convinced that You are God's holy One." —Jn 6:69
Praise: Praise Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, Who chose to become part of a human family. Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Family Prayer on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006
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