Introduction
Eating together, playing together, and praying together—these were some of the practices adopted in our home. By sharing these practices, I am not claiming that our family is perfect in any way. My purpose is to inspire, challenge, and perhaps motivate other families to learn from our experiences, to avoid pitfalls, and to find encouragement. Prayer is a good practice and a great foundation for children. I wholeheartedly encourage all parents and caregivers to incorporate it into their family routines.
The Daily Prayers: A Family's Journey of Spiritual Growth
The daily prayers practice in our home was a special time that brought us all together. Our children would read Bible verses, and we would explore their meanings. We would each offer prayers, focusing on gratitude, thanksgiving, and praying for others, as well as our own personal needs. Regrettably, we did not always maintain this daily family tradition, something I am deeply remorseful about. The times we spent reading the Bible were truly rewarding. To make the scriptures more accessible and engaging for the children, I invested in children's Bibles, prayer books, and other reading materials tailored to help them on their spiritual journey.
While they learned the Lord's Prayer and other verses by heart, these additional resources encouraged them to dive deeper, understanding the messages and what they meant in their lives. This was not just about rote memorisation; it was about spiritual empowerment and growth. It was about helping them connect with their faith in a way that was personal, meaningful, and lasting.
This practice was not just for the children; it enriched us all, strengthening our family's spiritual foundation. It was a way of teaching life's important values and nurturing a sense of empathy, compassion, and connection to something greater.
The Weekly Trip to Church: A Family Tradition and a Window to the World
Without fail, my husband would take the children to church every Sunday, never missing even a single service. This consistent commitment instilled in them a sense of spiritual discipline and connection to the community.
Sunday was also a special day for dressing up, perhaps even showing off their Sunday best. I suspect that to this day, the children remember it as their first outing where they had to be dressed in their finest clothes and exhibit their best behaviour. Going to church gave them their very first view of the world and the diversity it offers.
I noticed that this exposure nurtured their observational skills. They would share amongst themselves what they observed other children wearing, and later, discussions would extend to cars and other interesting things they noticed. They started attending church as soon as it was safe enough for them to do so, meaning that their exposure to the outside world began with church even before school.
My husband would hold them in his arms throughout the service, without the aid of any baby gadgets. It was a simple yet profound experience that allowed them to feel a connection not only to their faith but also to the world around them.
The Benefits: With All the Blessings
The spiritual routines we established in our family bore remarkable fruits, nurturing faith in action in our children's lives. Through daily prayers and weekly trips to church, a transformation began to unfold within our family. While I acknowledge that my children are human and not perfect, I witnessed beautiful qualities blossoming in them.
The discipline of daily reading the Bible instilled a sense of responsibility in our children. Kindness grew as a natural expression, and sharing, caring, and love became actions that defined our daily interactions. Faithfulness to family and spiritual values translated into hard work in studies and honesty in their dealings. Compassion emerged as a guiding principle, even leading one of my daughters to give generously—sometimes, in my view, too much, but it is a quality I deeply admire.
These spiritual practices strengthened our family bond, reflecting the qualities we strive to live by. It has been a journey of growth, understanding, and deep connection, enriched by our shared commitment to spiritual values.
A Family United: Stranded but Connected
The tagline to our family's WhatsApp chat group, "Love, Family, Blessings," holds a profound meaning, especially tied to a particularly trying time in my life. In 2020, during a work trip to Sierra Leone, I found myself stranded in a hotel as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.
The hotel, in an attempt to conserve power, shut off electricity from 9-11 am, 1-3 pm, and 5-7 pm daily. During these periods, I was cut off from the world, unable to access the internet, watch television, or even charge my laptop. I would find myself literally staring at the walls, isolated and disconnected. The hotel's restaurant and services were closed, compounding the sense of isolation.
My family, spread across Canada and Uganda, decided to set up a WhatsApp group to keep me connected. We would pray together every Sunday at 7 pm Sierra Leone time, a bit late for the Ugandan family members at 10 pm, but a time that ensured I had power. Sometimes, we would even share virtual meals, a creative way to feel close despite the physical distance.
These virtual connections became my lifeline, a source of encouragement and comfort. The experience was both heart-wrenching and soul-stirring, a stark reminder of the power of faith and family connection. It taught me that even in the most challenging times, our spiritual practices and family bonds could sustain us.
While the memory of being stranded in Sierra Leone still brings trauma, the love, support, and spiritual connection of my family turned it into a testament to our resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond that we share. We continue conducting these virtual Sunday prayers, accommodating different time zones and work commitments as best we can.
Concluding Reflections
Our family's spiritual journey has been a beautiful tapestry of blessings, learning, connection, and growth. From our daily prayers to our weekly church visits, these practices have shaped our children's values, enhanced their observational skills, and fostered a profound sense of community. They have brought us closer, not just as a family but to the world around us. My hope is that our story will inspire you to explore, embrace, and cherish spiritual traditions in your own family life, enriching it with love, compassion, faith, and understanding.
Join the Conversation!
1. How have you and your family embraced spiritual traditions or practices, and what impact have they had on your relationships and values?
2. What challenges or joys have you experienced in trying to foster a sense of faith, community, and spiritual growth within your family?
I invite you to share this post with friends and family on social media, and please join in the conversation with your insights, experiences, and thoughts. Let's create a thriving community of families embracing faith, love, and spiritual growth together!
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About the Author
Nite Tanzarn is an Independent International Consultant and a passionate advocate for 'Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity: Championing the Balance'. As a mother, Nite deeply understands the complexities of raising children with strong values and the importance of spiritual traditions. Drawing from her rich personal experiences, she offers insightful tips, guidance, and inspiration to assist other parents on their unique journeys.
Indeed, praying together as a family helps parents to teach important values to their children.
I was raised in a prayerful family and prayer is a comforting part of my life.
Family prayers is a great way of inculcating values in the children.
Prayers renews our healthy and spirit.