3 Nephi 18

"Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed." (21).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

“I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for the morning and evening practice of kneeling together—father, mother, and children. This, more than soft carpets, more than lovely draperies, more than cleverly balanced color schemes, is the thing that will make for better and more beautiful homes” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1963, 127).

This semester, my roommates and I gather together in the living room before one of us goes to bed. We gather together, we chat, we catch up on each others lives, because life can be hectic for college students, everyone going every which way. But we take a moment to gather together and talk. Inviting any visiters to join us. Then we kneel down, and we say apartment prayer. We ask each other if there is anything we want to pray about whether a missionary, injuries, gratitude for the blessings we have, help on a test, etc. As we ask each other and pray for each other, we become aware of each other's needs and concerns and we can be inspired on how exactly to help each other in these areas.

This is how it can be used in families. Except family relationships are so much stronger than simply roommates. Take advantage of it. Use it as an opportunity to know each others concerns or interests. Use it as an opportunity to grow closer together as a family and closer to God.

Prayer is a marvelous thing. Always. Have it with your family. Have it with your roommates. Have it with your friends. Its been a blessing in my life.