Memorize these verses as a family:

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.

James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

Conversation: What do James 5:13 and Philippians 4:6 teach us about prayer? When should we pray?

James 5:13-18 talks about four situations in our life when we should pray: 1. When life is hard 2. When we are happy 3. When we are sick 4. When we do something wrong.

Reflection: Have the family think about how you pray together. Make a chart of the four situations that James 5:13-18 mentions. Write down which of the four situations your family remembers to pray about together. Make a note of which situations you forget to pray about.

Set Goals. Praying for Five

Make a plan for your family to pray together in each of the circumstances. How will you do it? [Hint: one thing I try to remember to do is when someone is scared,  I try to remember to offer pray for them on the spot.]

Who will you share this lesson with?

Daily Practices:

• Listen to God. Sit silently in his presence; listen for his voice, submit yourself to his will for the day.
• Respond to God. Pray through the outline of the Lord’s Prayer: worship, surrender, daily needs, forgiveness, and protection.
• Bible Reading. Read the Bible as a disciple, listening to what God has to say, responding with obedience, repentance, worship, and trust, and sharing with others what you are learning.
• Praying for your five. Pray for five people in your life that God will work through the circumstances of their life so that they are open to follow Jesus. Pray for opportunities to invite them to follow Jesus with you.
• Prayer with others. Pray with spouse, family, and others.

Weekly Practices:

• Discipling Friendships. Cultivate friendships with others for the purpose of following Jesus together.
• Community Worship. Join with fellow believers to receive the Gospel through the Word and communion and respond with worship and prayer.
• Participate in trainings that develop your gifts and deepen your walk as a disciple of Jesus.
• Give your time, money, and talent. Give what God has entrusted to you to love your neighbor, make disciples, and strengthen the church.
• Sabbath. Take a twenty-four hour break, where you cease from all paid and unpaid work. Connect with God, family, and friends. Rest. Play. Enjoy activities that recharge you.