Invite God into Your Home

When our children were little, our son asked us, “Why can’t we see Jesus?” After all, we talked about him so much, why didn’t he ever come over and visit? His Daddy explained to him that he is in our hearts, and we see him in one another.

Research shows that the biggest predictor of adult religious practice is a sense and practice of religion in childhood. How do children develop an early sense of religion? According to the research, the first factor was that parents spoke about God and faith at home, in daily conversation. Being part of a faith community, whether the larger parish or an intentional group of families with similar issues (such as deaf families) helps those important conversations happen.

In the Christian family, we learn together how to treat one another as Christ would, and to act in our world with justice, love, and humility.

“Practice makes perfect,” my mother said. Recently, Homemade Disciples has explored a family friendly approach to spiritual growth. Here are some more modern twists on ancient practices that draw us closer to God and toward deeper, more life-giving relationships. Let’s consider how busy parents and those caring for others can practice Prayer, Reconciliation, and Journaling in real life.

Can you think of other practical applications?

PRAYER & GRATITUDE - Often we are overwhelmed by the kindness of others, including God, and those times are some of the best to offer up a prayer of gratitude to God.

· Create and pray a special grace before meals.

· Share one prayer intention for your partner to pray before he sleeps.

· Say the rosary together at the start of a car trip.

· Make a running list of what you are thankful for.

· Sign up for email prompts for daily prayer.

· Learn about each other’s religion; visit each other’s churches.

· Create decorations for the current holiday season and display them.

· Engaged and dating couples, hold hands and pray evening prayer before going home.

· Meet friends for a walk at dawn; greet the new day with gratitude.

RECONCILITION - Reconciliation is the end of the estrangement, caused by original sin, between God and humanity.

o Practice active listening. Make sure you are hearing what the other is saying and that he is hearing you.

o Identify one strength of your family of origin; forgive one weakness.

o When you are wrong, say, “I’m sorry; please forgive me.”

o When you are right, don’t gloat.

o Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation

JOURNALING – A journal is a helpful way of keeping up with our spiritual journey. A spiritual journal is different from a regular journal. It is a written record of personal reactions on spiritual matters.

o Write letters and email thoughts.

o Start a photo album for a visual journal or make video. Why use only words?

o Learn more about Spiritual Journaling from Michael A. Haywood’s excellent article at http://home.earthlink.net/~haywoodm/SpiritualJournal.html

Homemade Disciples Blog

Invite God into Your Home

Even More Ideas for Homemade Spirituality

Family Ministry Resources

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