Praying for Your Family: The Best Gifts You Can Give Them

Praying for Your Family: Simple Practices to Protect and Empower Your Loved Ones

Have you ever wondered how your prayers could transform the lives of your family? Today, I want to share some personal insights and powerful tools to help you pray intentionally for your loved ones—your kids, your spouse, and even your extended family.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a video that changed my perspective on the power of prayer. It featured a former Satanist who had become a Christian. He shared how teachers in his former group would try to send negative, harmful thoughts to their students. But here’s the part that hit me: he said they could always tell which kids had praying parents because those evil intentions would bounce right back.

It gave me chills and a fresh reminder of how much protection we can provide for our families through prayer. So let’s talk about how to pray for our family with intention, love, and faith.

Why Pray for Your Family?

Prayer isn't just a way to communicate with God—it's a spiritual shield and a lifeline. As Philippians 4:6 reminds us:"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

This verse gives us a simple yet profound formula to pray effectively:

1. Set a clear intention for who you're praying for (your family, kids, spouse, etc.).

2. List specific requests for each person (e.g., protection, health, spiritual growth).

3. Give thanks to God as though your prayers are already answered, reinforcing your faith.

4. Tie it back to Scripture to ground your prayers in God's promises.

Praying for Your Spouse

Let me tell you about a book that transformed my prayer life: The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. The first chapter alone was eye-opening, asking me to pray for my husband to have a “new wife”—and let it be me. Talk about convicting!

Through this book, I began praying specific, intentional prayers for my husband daily, covering everything from his health to his role as a father. Over the past two years, I’ve seen both subtle and significant changes in him and our relationship.

Research even backs this up! The American Psychological Association found that couples who share a spiritual connection report higher marital satisfaction and commitment.

Praying for Your Kids

If you’re like me, you want your kids to thrive in every way—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I started praying specific prayers for my boys after reading The Power of a Praying Parent.

One example? Praying for their health and openness to trying new foods. My son Andrew, who used to be an incredibly picky eater, has slowly started trying different foods after a couple years of intentional prayer.

Another prayer focus has been their attitude toward school. My son Sean once hated school so much that mornings were full of tears and tantrums. But after consistent prayer, his attitude has completely shifted—no more complaints, no more fights.

A bonus prayer tip: Start praying for your children’s future spouses. Mark Batterson’s book Praying Circles Around Your Children inspired me to pray for the person who will one day join their lives.

Praying for Extended Family and Deceased Loved Ones

Don’t stop at just your immediate family. Pray for extended family members by name, asking for blessings and protection tailored to their needs.

And let’s not forget the importance of praying for our loved ones who have passed. As Catholics, we believe our prayers can help souls in purgatory. Keep a list of their names and include them in your daily prayers—it’s a beautiful way to honor and support them.

Simple Steps to Start

If this feels overwhelming, let me reassure you: you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small. Pick one practice, one resource, or one person to focus on. Watch how God moves in their lives and yours.

Some resources to get started:

• The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

• The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

• Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson

What Will You Pray For?

Friend, prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have as parents and spouses. It connects us to God and allows us to intercede on behalf of the people we love most.

What’s one way you pray for your family? I’d love to hear your tips! Share them in the Anchored with Purpose Tribe on Facebook, where we’re building a community of moms just like you, walking this journey of faith together.

Let’s continue lifting our families in prayer, one step at a time. God’s got you, and I’m cheering you on!

These Books Have Transformed How I Pray for My Family