Title
"The Family That Prays Together . . .": Relational Processes Associated With Regular Family Prayer
Keywords
family ritual, family prayer, relational processes, qualitative research, parenting, religion
Abstract
In the present article we explore how family prayer reportedly influenced family relationships. We conceptualized family prayer as a family ritual in religious families and used a qualitative methodology to interview a religiously, ethnically, and geographically diverse sample of 198 families (N = 476). Analysis of data revealed 7 related themes. Family prayer served important functions and influenced relationships in various ways including (a) as time of family togetherness and interaction; (b) as a space for social support; and (c) as a means for intergenerational transmission of religion. Further, family prayer (d) involved issues and concerns of individuals and the family; (e) helped reduce relational tensions; (f) provided feelings of connectedness, unity and bonding. Finally, (g) families struggled to pray together when there was disunity. Implication, applications, and future directions are addressed.
Original Publication Citation
*Chelladurai, J. M., Dollahite, D. C., & Marks, L. D. (2018). “The family that prays together”: Relational processes associated with family prayer. Journal of Family Psychology, 32, 849-859.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Chelladurai, Joe M.; Dollahite, David C.; and Marks, Loren D., ""The Family That Prays Together . . .": Relational Processes Associated With Regular Family Prayer" (2018). Faculty Publications. 4836.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4836
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2018-07-02
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7640
Publisher
Journal of Family Psychology
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Family Life
Copyright Status
© 2018 American Psychological Association
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/