These Christian family prayers are perfect for praying around the family altar, on special occasions and holidays, during family devotions and before or after family Bible studies.

Where the Heart Is

Home is where the heart is,
We've often heard recited—
So we come to this family altar
To keep our hearts united.

With thanks we come to worship,
We offer up our praise—
We marvel at Your goodness
As mercy renews our days.

We cast our cares upon You,
We bid You, take the lead—
As You fill us with Your presence
To more than meet our needs.

Now, may we serve each other,
As we love and obey You, Lord—
Help us grow in wisdom
To hear and do Your Word.

Let us live to please You,
Giving glory to Your name—
Shinning forth a witness
Of Your unending fame.

Lord, You're where our heart is,
Our treasure beyond compare—
Holding this family together
And answering our earnest prayer.

--Mary Fairchild

An Evening Family Prayer

Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
For the love that unites us,
For the peace accorded to us this day,
For the hope with which we expect the morrow;
For the health, the work, the food and the bright skies
That make our lives delightful;
For our friends in all parts of the earth.
Amen.

-- Robert Louis Stevenson

Give Us, O Lord, a Steadfast Heart

Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart,
Which no unworthy affection may drag downwards;
Give us an unconquered heart,
Which no tribulation can wear out;
Give us an upright heart,
Which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God,
Understanding to know you,
Diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you,
And a faithfulness that may finally embrace you;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

--Thomas Aquinas

Bless Our Family

All praise to You, Lord Jesus,
Lover of children:
Bless our family,
And help us to lead our children to You.

Give us light and strength,
And courage when our task is difficult.
Let Your Spirit fill us with love and peace,
So that we may help our children to love You.

All glory and praise are Yours, Lord Jesus,
For ever and ever.

Amen.

--Catholic Doors Ministry

Teach Us to Love

O God, perfect us in love,
That we may conquer all selfishness and hatred of others;
Fill our hearts with Thy joy,
And shed abroad in them Thy peace which passeth understanding;
That so those murmurings and disputings
To which we are too prone may be overcome.
Make us long-suffering and gentle,
And thus subdue our hastiness and angry tempers,
And grant that we may bring forth the blessed fruits of the Spirit,
To Thy praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

--Reverend Henry Alford (1810-1871)