From a survey conducted by federal data-gathering agency, Statistics Canada it appeared that people who attended religious services at least once a week were significantly more likely to: (1) think marriage is essential to happiness; (2) stay married longer; (3) be happier in marriage than people whose religious attendance were sporadic or nonexistent.

Although the interpretation of these results have been questioned, families who are used to pray together know how beneficial it is. It draws us close to God and one another and it gives us special strength to face the challenges and difficulties of our everyday lives.

To families who are not used to pray together every day, we can only recommend to try it out. It is free and with no obligations :-).

Hereunder, we put a few tips that can help establishing a "lifesaving" habit.

1.	Time. Try to pick a consistent time of the day when the whole family is most likely to be at home (ea. after dinner).
2.	Place Have a family "shrine" for prayer time. A statue and a votive candle on a shelf or end table is fine, or perhaps a candle bracket can be mounted on the wall under a crucifix or picture of the Sacred Heart.
3.	Intentions Announce petitions at the beginning of the prayer.  It sometimes makes it easier to pray more fervently when praying for something.
4.	Contents Start with short prayers. An Our Father and A Hail Mary, after that, more prayers can be added.
5.	Participation Let the children participate as much as possible by letting them light and blow out the candles. Take turns in praying
6.	Adjuncts As an aid to meditation, use pictures for younger children. Candles bring a nice spiritual atmosphere.
7.	Changes Vary the routine when children seem restless. On pleasant evenings, get out lawn chairs and pray outdoors. Say the family rosary while on a hike in the woods, or on a drive through the country.

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