The Lord directed that we have family prayer when He said, ‘Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed’ (3 Nephi 18:21).”

Through regular family prayer, our family members will draw nearer to God and to each other. Our children will learn to communicate with their Father in Heaven.

Regular family prayer can help our families resist the temptations of Satan. Through prayer, we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father, and we can receive strength and be better able to overcome our problems.

Family prayer is fully effective, then, only as we rise from our knees and, with increased love and understanding, take better care of each other. We all want more love and unity in our families.

Discuss how his family’s prayers sustained him in a distant land when he felt frightened and alone. If family members have had experiences when family prayer has strengthened someone, have family members relate them. Explain how family prayer can be more effective through love and unity among family members.

Family prayer can ease tension and bring lasting happiness to your family. It can help you and the rest of your family become more patient, kind, forgiving, and humble.

As you read the following teachings of Church leaders, underline blessings that come from daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly family home evening.

Emphasize that daily family prayer and scripture study and weekly family home evening will strengthen family relationships, fortify family members’ testimonies, and prepare family members to deal with life’s challenges.

“A Happy Home” (November 2009 Friend) One of the pieces of this puzzle encourages readers to pray as a family. “Our Family Will Be Strong” (July 2009 Friend and Liahona) Fill out a chart with ideas for strengthening your family. Includes ideas for teaching about the importance of family prayer. “Prayer Reminders” (January 2007 Friend)

For this family, for other families in the Church, and for all families throughout the world, the words of a living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, bring comfort, guidance, and promise of everlasting spiritual growth: “There is no substitute for family prayer.”