Use the Liturgy of the Hours to cultivate family time

Prayer is not always easy for me, especially impromptu prayer: putting my thoughts, needs and desires in front of God from the top of my head. When I realized that the way to teach my son to pray would be by praying with him, I tried to use a simple format: "What do you want to thank God for today?", I asked. The answer was often as foolish as it was profound: "Stupid," he replied. "And from moon and stahs." I would go on to ask who we should ask God to bless. His response was long; he would list kindergarten friends, teachers, extended family and, of course, mom and dad.

These prayers worked well for bedtime, but for dinner the vow “God is great. God is good. Let's thank him for our food. " I opened a new can of worms when I introduced the idea that we could say "she" instead of "him".

(It quickly caught on, but I'm sure this was annoying - at least - to its Catholic kindergarten teachers.)

So we turned to the daily office, another name for the Liturgy of the Hours, after a friend created a prayer booklet with the psalms, scripture readings, and prayers for each day. He used an abbreviated form meant for individual and family devotion. Having a portable and easy-to-use prayer book meant that there was no search for readings and prayers on the right day.

My family tried it over dinner one evening. And I mean at dinner. Not first with the candles lit, but really during - with cheese sandwich literally grilled in the mouth with prayers. Between a sip of wine (it goes very well with the humble grilled cheese), my husband and I exchanged between reading the scriptures and the psalm. We said the Lord's prayer together and ended with the closing prayer.

I thought this ritual would eventually lead to questions from my son and some good discussions when he began to understand the words of the scriptures. I did not expect that in a few months, at 2 years of age, he would start reciting the Lord's prayer by heart. Then he began to extend his arms and raise his palms to the oran position while praying. And if we hadn't pulled out the prayer book, he would have gone to fetch it from the kitchen drawer to ask for it.

When we promised to grow and train our son in a life of Christ at his baptism, we had no idea that he too would guide and train us.

Jesus told his disciples that whenever two or more were gathered in his name, he would be present. Most of us know "two or more" well, but how often do we pray with others outside Mass? The experience of praying at home with my family has transformed me and, I dare say, also my husband and son. We still meet some impromptu prayers, but very often we turn to the Liturgy of the Hours. The words of these prayers are articulated and beautiful, their ancient form. Personally, these prayers give sound and structure to the desires of my soul. This form of prayer simply resonates with me.

The eight hours follow the Benedictine Liturgy of the Hours, a model that allows eight occasions of rest and prayer during the day. Each hour has a name that dates back to early Christian monastic history. Families interested in trying this form of prayer should not feel compelled to respect the designated time for a particular time of day, although it is certainly an option and a holy quest! They are simply there as starting points.

Here are some tips on how your family might pray to the daily office:

• Pray for praise (early morning prayer) at breakfast before the family disperses and follows its separate ways for the day. Praise is particularly short and sweet and therefore a good choice when time is limited.

• End the day with evening prayers before everyone goes to bed. It is an excellent bookend for a day that started with praise. These hours remind us how every day of life is a holy gift.

• When time permits, spend a few minutes in silent meditation. Take a break for a moment or two to allow thoughts and ideas to creep into consciousness, then ask family members to share what's in their hearts.

• Use the shape you like most (or mix and match) every day to teach a particular prayer (such as the Lord's prayer) to children. When asking difficult questions, ponder and answer honestly. "I don't know" is an acceptable answer. Personally, I believe it has value in showing children that adults don't have all the answers. Mystery is at the center of our faith. Not knowing is not the same as not wanting to know. Rather, we can be stimulated to marvel and marvel at God's incredible love and creative power.

• Practice praying with older children when you are gathered together. Let them choose the office, despite the time of day. Invite them to ask each family member to answer questions about meditation.

• When you can't sleep or find yourself awake at an absurdly late or early hour, pray to the security office and enjoy the stillness of this time of day.

The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't be too caught up in a lot of bites. Rather, as a wise spiritual director once told me, consider cans. Don't worry if you can't pray every day. Or if the only time I pray for you is in the car while you take the kids from school to football. These are all holy moments when you invite the presence of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice in them.