In 1915 President Joseph F. Smith and his counselors in the First Presidency began a Churchwide effort to strengthen the family. They called on parents in the Church to gather their children once each week for a “Home Evening.” Families were to take time to pray and sing together, read the scriptures, teach the gospel to one another, and participate in other activities that would build family unity.
For more than ninety years our living prophets have counseled member of the church to hold regular Family Home evenings.
We can learn about working, serving, and playing together in family home evening. Prophets have promised us that our families will grow stronger when we use this time to study gospel principles and enjoy being together.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Families must spend more time together in work and recreation. Family home evenings should be scheduled once a week as a time for recreation, work projects, skits, songs around the piano, games, special refreshments, and family prayers. … This practice will bind a family together, in love, pride, tradition, strength, and loyalty” (Ensign, Nov. 1982, 60).
We have also been instructed to study the scriptures as a family and to have family prayer. When we study and pray together as a family, we grow closer to the lord. We are able to discuss what we are learning and how, as a family we can apply the teachings of the scriptures in our lives.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "“Parents, safeguard your families. Pray together. There is no substitute for family prayer when all kneel together before the Lord.”
I know that by following the council of our prophets, my family is strengthened and blessed.
I know that it is important to have Family Home Evening, and to have family scripture study and prayer. I know that when we do these things, our family is blessed and that I can feel the warmth of the Holy Ghost.
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