A few weeks ago I sat outside the RV at night with my oldest son. I asked him to pray a quick Rosary with me. He is still young enough (thank God) where even though I'm sure he wasn't thrilled to do this, he still went along with it!
I did not plan this, but with each mystery I began to speak an intention for God to bless him and assist him as he grows into a man.
What a concept. If we can just slow down long enough I hope to post the prayers for any of you other men who could use another idea of how you might pray with your sons.
I'm convinced that praying with our sons plants something in them that goes deeper than the words we use.
If you haven't done this - at least think about doing it
If you HAVE prayed with your son, tell us about what style of prayer worked.
As usual, I will type more later, when there is time.
5 comments:
For some reason, my son and I have no problem going together to the church on a Saturday afternoon for confession. We get to spend a few minutes together in the car, in line, then in the pew, then on the way home.
It helps me to go, too, knowing I can get him (or even someone else in the family, e.g., another sibling or wife!) to go along.
Keep up the good work, Michael!
Thanks, as always.
BigDaddyAZ
My father and I were not close. It was part of that generation I think. He worked, came home and didn't want to connect. As I got older, he tried but by that time it was too late. I wasn't interested. Of course I learned much of my FOL from my friends or through hard lessons. With my two young sons of 9 and 7, I am more involved and show more affection, and push them harder to give 100% effort in all that they do. we pray together but not enough. I teach them to ask for Gods help in being better Christians, brothers, sons; to help them make good choices, do good in school and sports. We also thank God for all that he has provided for us, including those tough lessons which may not be appreciated at the time.
Thank you Michael for visiting St Clare of Assisi in Surprise. Thank you for sharing your ministry with us.
For me, what I try to teach my kids through example is what it means to be a man can be summed up in one word. Integrity. If you do good only when others are watching, if you only tell the truth sometimes, if you don't defend those in need or stand on principal when it counts, then I have failed as a father.
39, Surprise
Good evening Michael. The prayer I have for our children started in my home when I was in the military. I didn't always get home for Christmas so we started sharing presents in January on All Kings Day. Now that I am a father, I started that tradition with my wife and kids. Christmas eve and Christmas day is spent honoring God and the birth of our savior. we have taught our children the true meaning of Christmas; yes without Santa. As far as Christmas presents, we open gifts on yes, you guessed it, All Kings Day. Christmas has become so secular as the baby Jesus has been replaced with Santas and snowmen in public displays. I pray that more families start this tradition to reclaim as a Christian culture the true reason for the season.
God bless.
34, Surprise AZ
Great post. Thank you so much for giving voice to my inner thoughts. I struggle with motivating my boys and I pray that they learn the value and importance of working hard and setting goals and reaching them. They are still in grade school so I pray they learn the lesson soon. I also try to pray with them, and at that age, they are very active so the prayers are short. I will try the suggestion mentioned above with my family this year. Thank you. As far as being a man, I try to be responsible and teach my boys the same. From what I hear from their teachers at school I must be doing ok at it.
God bless
41 Denver
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