Prayer is the way we communicate to God, and how we express ourselves in prayer is personal and individual. But the content Jesus included when He instructed His disciples, “this is how you should pray” (Matthew 6:9-13), provides a model which may be helpful to you as a family.

Notice, from the way Jesus tells us to refer to God as “Father,” that this is a prayer for family members. Notice also from the plural pronouns, “us” and “our” and “we,” that this is a corporate prayer. It is a pattern for prayer in which family members participate together.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Acknowledge your family relationship with God as your Father, and affirm your recognition of and commitment to the glory of God as your family's first priority.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Declare your desire that the sovereignty and authority of God, and the values of the kingdom of God, will be established within your family, in order that the will of God will be accomplished in and through your lives and household.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Make your requests to God for His provision of your daily needs.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Be certain that you have forgiven the sins and offenses of others against you, so that when you ask God’s forgiveness of your own sin, you may be assured of His forgiveness (see also verses 14-15).

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Seek God’s conviction and protection from future temptation and sin.

Finally, express your gratitude to God for all that He has done and is doing in your family, even in difficulties, problems, and conflict. In expressing your thanks to God, take note of the following:

Romans 8:28-29

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.