When the Apostle Peter was delivered from prison by an angel of the Lord, "he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12). No doubt, one of the reasons John Mark became useful in the ministry of the gospel (2 Timothy 4:11), besides the encouragement of his faithful cousin Barnabas (Acts 15:39; Colossians 4:10), was that he grew up in a praying home. Parents don't worry so much about their children facing the world's temptations or their spouse being unfaithful to them when they have been taught prayer and pray with them.

"The family that prays together, stays together." When conflict arises in the home, what better way to resolve it than with prayer. James wrote, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). Let us never give up on prayer in our homes. "Pray without ceasing" (Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer helps marriages, protects children and solves problems. Pray at the table, at bedtime, when making important decisions, when in need, for problems, during sorrow, tragedy, illness and death. Our children deserve to hear their fathers pray and to see that their parents believe in a God who hears and answers prayer. Is your home a praying home? Or is your home without a prayer?