A Prayer for Intentional Time as a Family
By Heidi Vegh
Bible Verse:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” - Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Listen or Read Below:
Life is loud. Friends are loud. Phones are loud, sometimes even when they’re on silent. Social media never stops. The sports practices, the group chats, the school emails—it’s all just... a lot. And honestly, none of it is bad. But when all those things start to take up more space than God or our family, things can start to feel off.
I’ve noticed in my own home that we’re often just trying to compete with the outside world to have any real time together. My kids range from 8 to 18, and their lives are so different now. When they were little, we did everything together. If one of us went somewhere, we all went. If I cooked dinner, we all sat down and ate it together. It wasn’t even something I had to work hard at; it just happened. But now? It’s not so easy. One is driving. Another has sports or work. Sometimes I make dinner and eat alone. That never used to happen. And while I understand this is just a new season, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me a little sad.
Spending time as a family used to come naturally. Now, it takes effort. It takes planning. It takes a kind of intentionality that, honestly, I don’t always feel like I have. But when we do all end up at the dinner table together—even if it’s just once that week—I stop and take it in. My heart gets full. Those little moments feel sacred now. Here’s what I’m learning: Being intentional doesn’t mean being perfect. It doesn’t mean planning Pinterest-worthy family nights. It just means showing up—being present and purposeful with the little windows of time we do get.
Genesis 2 reminds us that family was one of the very first gifts God gave us. It’s the place where faith and love are supposed to grow. And in Ephesians 5:15-16, we’re reminded to “make the most of every opportunity.” Time isn’t just something we manage; it’s something we invest in. If you’re feeling stretched thin, I get it. Maybe take a few minutes and ask the Lord what small changes you could make to create more space for your family.
Here are some ideas:
- A one-question check-in at dinner
- A “no phones” hour in the evening
- A short bedtime blessing
- A weekly Bible verse challenge
- Schedule a dinner days or weeks ahead
And please, give yourself grace. You’re not going to do it perfectly. You’ll forget, miss a day, or have a week that’s just chaos. That’s okay. Keep going. God’s not asking for perfection, just presence.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, thank You for the gift of family. Help me to slow down and really treasure the moments You’ve given us together. Show me how to build a home where Your love is felt, Your Word is heard, and Your presence is welcome. Give me wisdom and creativity as I try to create space for meaningful family time. Help me to say “no” to the things that pull us apart, and “yes” to what really matters. Show me how to guide my older kids with grace while still teaching them the value of being together. Forgive me for the times I’ve been distracted, whether it’s my phone, social media, or just being too busy. Give me gentle reminders and the Holy Spirit nudges to focus on what matters most.
Lord, I surrender my family to You. I lift up each person in my home, You know their needs, their worries, and their hearts. Help me steward this family well. Help us to recognize the little pockets of time You give us, and to use them wisely. I pray against anything that’s trying to divide or distract our family. Protect us. Unite us. Let us be a light to the families around us, welcoming, warm, and full of Your love. Thank You for Your grace and patience as I learn to walk this out. I want to honor You in how I love my family.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick
Heidi Vegh is a writer, speaker, and ministry leader living in Western Washington. She is a remarried mother of four, navigating the blended family life after the loss of her first husband to cancer in 2013. She longs to use her writing as a way to encourage others who have experienced loss and guide them on the road to healing. She contributes to her blog found at www.mrsheidivegh.com , sharing stories and devotionals of faith stemming from her loss and healing, mothering, and her blended and complex family. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Creative Writing and English and is working on her first book. Heidi is the Women’s Ministry Director at her local church and has a deep heart for sharing Jesus with women and encouraging them in their faith walk. When she is not writing, she loves to travel, read, craft, and experiment in the kitchen. Visit her Facebook and Instagram (@mrsheidivegh) to learn more.
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