NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TO PRAY AS A FAMILY

Going into the new year, 2022, families could use some of that wonder in their lives. Just wonder. The way a child looks up at a Christmas tree star – if we could embody that wonder more often in our lives, how much happier would we be – what miracles would await us by getting that curious about God? 

It is easy to wonder at the story of Jesus. Wondering what it was like when the Baby Jesus was born. Was it quiet, were they cold, wrapping themselves and the baby to keep warm? Did they know upon seeing Jesus in the manger that He was to be not only the light of their world, Joseph and Mary’s, but the light of the world to come? 

People get so busy with everyday life that they often fail to ponder the mysteries and stories of the faith – sadly to their own detriment! Taking time out for the family to pray, especially the Rosary, but also any kind of intentional prayer time together – can heal wounds and open hearts. God will be in the room with you when you gather your family to pray in His name, and isn’t that a beautiful thing? 

An interesting finding in a 2019 Pew Research study on religion and happiness is that “actively religious people are more likely than their less-religious peers to describe themselves as ‘very happy’ in about half the countries surveyed.” The study looked at survey data from more than two dozen countries including the United States. In the U.S. 36% of actively religious people called themselves very happy, more so than their non-religious peers. Similar happiness trends among the religious were seen in Germany, Japan, and Australia. Another interesting finding was that the actively religious tend to be more likely to join church groups or other organizations. So it may seem that actively religious people all around the world, tend to describe themselves as happy in higher numbers than the non-religious, and are very likely to be connected socially or religiously within their communities.  

Now where does family prayer fit into this? One would venture to guess that actively religious people pray quite frequently. But do they pray together with their families? If so, they probably know the benefit – if not the joy that it brings, awaits them! 

Family prayer, especially the Rosary, is a wonderful way for families to slow down, and be with Mary and Jesus in a quiet, meditative way, that is so lacking in today’s culture. The beauty of praying the Rosary as a family is showcased by several families in the documentary film, “PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON.” Families who were struggling and began to pray the Rosary as a family, are now feeling closer than ever and closer to God. They are happier, healthier, and stronger. 

~ Robyn Kenney, PR & Communications Specialist, Holy Cross Family Ministries