We have discovered through research that certain faith practices make a significant difference in
nurturing the faith of children and adolescents at home. “Raising religious children should thus
primarily be a practice-centered process, not chiefly a didactic teaching program. Parents modeling
religious practices is primary, and explaining belief systems is secondary” (Smith, Ritz, and
Rotolo, 179). Among the most important practices are:
• Reading the Bible as a family and encouraging young people to read the Bible regularly
• Praying together as a family and encouraging young people to pray personally
• Serving people in need as a family and supporting service activities by young people
• Eating together as a family
• Having family conversations about faith
• Talking about faith, religious issues, and questions and doubts
• Ritualizing important family moments and milestone experiences
• Celebrating holidays and church year seasons at home
• Providing moral instruction
• Being involved in a faith community and participating regularly in Sunday worship as a
family
The way that family prayer unifies the family stands out. Family prayer is a time of family
togetherness and interaction, a space for social support, and a means for intergenerational
transmission of moral and spiritual values. Family prayer include the issues and concerns of
individuals and the family, helps reduce relational tensions, and provides feelings of
connectedness, unity, and bonding.