Seven Prayer Suggestions for Couples

1. Pray as you can, not as you can’t. God calls most Christian couples to an active life in the world, with family, work and community responsibilities. Such a call, while holy, does not usually allow for long periods of prayer and reflection. Catholics can become discouraged when they try to pray like monks or nuns who live their lives in prayer 24/7. Be realistic about what’s possible.
2. Take ten — or twenty. If a half hour for prayer isn’t possible, then how about ten minutes, or even twenty minutes? Couples can choose a good time of day to pray, and stick with it. Couples can designate a special site for prayer so that spot becomes holy. Spouses can help their children to pray during respective quiet times.
3. Pray as a family. Spouses can build upon rituals such as grace before meals. In addition to the usual “Bless us, O Lord…,” encourage all family members to offer thanks for the blessings of the day, as well as prayers for those in need. Couples can deepen their spiritual relationship by taking a few minutes, perhaps before bedtime, to commend to God the joys and sorrows of the day.
4. Decorate your domestic church. When we enter our parish church, the statues and pictures focus our minds on Jesus, Mary and the saints. Couples can create an atmosphere for prayer in their home – the domestic church – by displaying a crucifix, icons, the Bible and other holy objects. Take the children to a religious goods store and let them choose a picture or statue for their rooms.
5. Short prayers count, too. When you’re stopped at a long light or put on hold, consider it as God’s invitation to turn your heart and mind to him, if only for a few seconds. Pray for those who are driving around you, too.
6. Find God at work. Connecting with God in the workplace takes effort. Couples can cultivate a few simple habits. For example, offer the day to God as you turn on your computer, or pray for the person you’re about to call or wait upon. Place a holy picture or cross on your desk at eye level, to remind you to pray always.
7. Ask your Mother for help. The Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual mother, understands our needs and offers profound comfort. One family, gathered around the bedside of their dying husband and father, found peace and healing through the recitation of the rosary. The rosary is ideal for couples to strengthen their relationship and for the family, since children can be taught the simple prayers at an early age. Check out instructions on how to pray the rosary.

Article used with permission from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops Marriage web site foryourmarriage.org.