The Book of Common Prayer is not just for Sundays. It is a a treasure trove of everyday prayers too. Beginning on page 814 you can find 81 Prayers and Thanksgivings. Leaf through these pages to find prayers for creation, peace, musicians, agriculture, children and so on. Our family used the Litany of Thanksgiving at an intimate family gathering in the woods to celebrate my parent's 40th wedding anniversary.
Collects, which begin on page 211, are also good sources for gathering prayers to "collect" your family's thoughts for the day. Although these collects are titled by their Proper (the collect, lessons, psalm and proper preface for appointed Sundays), you can use them at any time. If you want, create your own collect based on what has happened during the day following this traditional three-part format for a collect:
O God, who ________________________
(names for, or characteristics of, God
such as as "provides for our every need")
We ask for ________________________
(petitions for ourselves and others,
such as "generous hearts")
In order that ________________________
(the dream that we wish to help God fulfill,
such as "we may know and meet the needs of our neighbors.")
Try this before a meal. The leader begins with "O God, who...." and everyone around the table adds a name that reflects how they experienced God that day. Continue with "We ask for..." and again round the table. Finish with "In order that..." and an Amen at the end. This framework and practice will help your children feel more comfortable with letting their hearts lead their daily prayers.
Other Prayer Resources
Of course, hearing prayers of others brings new insights. (That's one reason worshipping on Sundays with your faith family is so important.) Our family enjoys reading blessings from favorite books at times too. Below are a few.
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