Oops. I forgot to pray for my wife today. In fact, it’s been several days. And our kids, too. Then there’s our grandkids. I haven’t prayed for them either.

Can you relate to my confession? We forget to pray for our own family members. Don’t beat yourself up over it. You can change that.

When you pray for your family, you’re having a more powerful impact on their lives than perhaps any other person. You probably know them better than anyone else and can pray in detailed ways that others can’t. While their friends pray for the obvious things, you can go to a deeper level with God.

What are some of the deep needs your family members are facing today? If they’re with you in your home, sit down and have a conversation. Find out what they are dealing with. Let them talk freely. You’re not on a mission to get prayer requests. You’re discovering what’s on their heart that can begin to be on your heart in prayer.

Often, we detect prayer needs in casual conversations with family members or simply by observing them. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and how he brings things to your attention.

If you have family members who don’t live with you anymore, give them a call. Catch up with them. Let them know that you’re praying for them. That will encourage them and it could be exactly what they need at the moment.

As you engage in prayer for your family, ask them for updates about those requests from time to time. Of course, if you’re praying for sensitive things you’ve noticed but they haven’t shared, you may not want to ask for an update. Just keep observing and praying.

It helps to write things down so you’re not just praying general prayers. People who came to Jesus for help were very specific about their needs. Be specific in your prayers for your family.

As you pray, your love and care for your family members will grow. You’re investing your time and heart in them. God will bring you closer to them.

One of the ways you can stay consistent is to write their names and requests in a prayer journal, notepad or index card. Or it could be as simple as a list on your phone. Half the battle is remembering. These ways will help.

Your family members have been given to you by God. No matter what quirkiness there may be, or even estrangement, you have the opportunity to bless them through prayer. Watch God change their lives. And yours.

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Available on Amazon.)