Stephen A Clark, Manila, Philippines – My wife and I participated in a panel discussion on conflict resolution in families several years ago. As the building block of society and the Church, what happens within families is vitally important.
One of my grandmother’s catchphrases was, “He played Hamlet”, to describe the overreaction families can have when they argue.
Perhaps we can all recall occasions when the top was left off the toothpaste tube (or the seat left up) and we recited a demented monologue.
Our contribution to the family panel discussion was more on prevention than cure.
Praying Together Each Morning
For many years now, we have had the practice of praying together each morning, before any fuse can be lit. It has been transformative in our lives and it really does work.
We offer the day to God; pray for mercy, forgiveness and protection during the day; pray for our work and activities; and seek the intercession of the angels and saints.
We also regularly bless the house with holy water.
If we don’t lay the day’s foundation in prayer, someone else will, in discord.
Family prayer is often neglected nowadays, and family members can have their day ruined even before they leave the house if they go into the day unprepared or unprotected.
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