Prayer for intentional time as a family
By Heidi Beg
Bible poems:
“These commandments I give you today are in your heart. Impress them with your children. Tell them about them when you are sitting at home, and when you walk along the path, when you lie down, and when you awaken.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Listen or read:
Life is noisy. My friends are noisy. The phone is big, sometimes even when silent. Social media never stops. Sports practice, group chat, school emails – it’s all… lots. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. But when all of them begin to take up more space than God or our family, things start to feel bad.
I found ourselves in my own home that we often compete with the outside world to come together in real time. My kids range from 8-18 and their lives are now very different. When they were little, we did everything together. If one of us went somewhere, we all went. When we cooked dinner, we all sat down and ate together. It wasn’t even something I had to work hard. It just happened. But now? It’s not that easy. One is driving. Others have sports and work. Sometimes I cook dinner and eat it alone. It never happened before. And I understand that this is just a new season, but I would lie if it said it didn’t make me sad a bit.
I naturally came to my family. Now we need to work hard. A plan is required. Honestly, I need intentionality that I don’t always have. But when we all end up together at the dinner table, I stop it and take it in, even if it was only once a week. My heart is full. Those little moments feel sacred right now. Here’s what I’m learning: Being intentional doesn’t mean being perfect. It doesn’t mean planning a family night worthy of Pinterest. It simply means to appear.
Genesis 2 reminds us that family is one of the first gifts God has given us. It is where faith and love are supposed to grow. And Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us of “making the most of every opportunity.” Time is not just about what we manage. That’s what we invest in. If you feel you’re stretching thinly, I’ll get it. It probably takes a few minutes and ask the Lord what small changes you can make to create more space for your family.
Here are some ideas:
One Question Check-in at Dinner Short Bedtime Hour Blessing Week Bible Poetry Challenge Days or weeks away from dinner
And give yourself grace. You’re not going to make it completely. You’ll have a week of forgetting, missing a day, or confused. it’s okay. Continue. God doesn’t seek perfection, he’s just being.
Let’s pray:
Lord, thank you for the gift of my family. Help us slow down the moment you give us and truly cherish it. Tell us how to build a house in a place where your love can be felt, your words can be heard, and your presence is welcome. Give me wisdom and creativity when I try to create space for meaningful family time. Please say “no” to pull us apart and help us say “yes” to what really matters. Tell them how to guide my older children with grace, while teaching them the value of being together. Whether it’s my phone, social media, or just too busy, forgive me for a time when I’ve been distracted. Gentle reminders and the Holy Spirit tweak to focus on what is most important.
Lord, I will surrender my family to you. I lift up each and every one of my house. You know their needs, their concerns, and their hearts. I would like to order this family well. Please recognize the small pockets of time you give us and help us to use them wisely. I pray for trying to divide or deflect our family. Protect us. It unites us. Let us be the light for the families around us. I am learning to walk this, so I appreciate your grace and patience. I want to honor you in a way that loves my family.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick
Heidi Beg is a writer, speaker and ministry leader living in West Washington. She is the remarried mother of four who navigated mixed family life after losing her first husband to cancer in 2013. She longs to use her writing as a way to encourage others who have experienced loss and have led her path to healing. She contributed to her blog found at www.mrsheidivegh.com and shares stories and devotions of her loss and healing, her mother, and her mixed and complicated family. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in creative writing and English, and is working on her first book. Heidi is the director of the local church’s Women’s Ministry and has a deep heart to share Jesus with women and encourage them on walks of faith. When she isn’t writing, she loves to travel, read, craft and experiment in the kitchen. For more information, visit her Facebook and Instagram (@mrsheidivegh).
Pray through Psalm 15: Prayer to those who never shake up
Are you tired of being spiritually exhausted? You’ve come to the right place! Join us in the age of prayer, reflection and meditation. Put your day’s luggage behind you, refresh, update, and reconnect with God. Who is the one who never shakes you up? Explore poem sal 15 with today’s 10 minutes of devotion. If you like what you hear, you won’t miss an episode.
Because you prayed, do you need someone to pray for you? Click the button below
