The first Prayer Nest is, by its very nature, the family, where the father and mother must nourish their children not only with material food but also with spiritual nourishment, transmitting the faith above all through their example.

By establishing a Prayer Nest at home, the unity of the family is also preserved—as Pope Pius XII said:
“A family that prays together stays together.”

Practical Suggestions

• Set a fixed time for prayer that works for everyone in the family.

• Prepare a small home altar with an image or statue of the Virgin Mary, in front of which a candle can be lit for the duration of the prayer gathering.

• Distractions are likely, so it is strongly recommended to turn off mobile phones and not answer calls. If friends or visitors arrive during the prayer, do not stop—invite them to join instead, thus giving witness that God comes first.

• The father or mother can lead the prayer, gradually involving the children until they are able to lead it themselves.
  
  

Prayer Aids

• A Rosary;

• A children’s booklet with meditated mysteries;

• The story of Fatima;

• The life of the three little shepherds as told by Lucia;

• Biographies of young saints;

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church;

• The Gospel…

These materials can be requested via email through our contact information or downloaded directly.

How a Prayer Nest Meeting Unfolds

• After a short moment of silence to help the children settle, begin with a slow and deliberate Sign of the Cross, as the Virgin Mary taught Bernadette during her first apparition in Lourdes, clearly pronouncing the words:
  “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

• You may sing a hymn and invoke the Holy Spirit.

• State the intentions of the prayer, placing first the conversion of sinners, peace in the world, and the Holy Father.

• Announce the mysteries of the Rosary, read a short meditation, and pause for a moment of silence to teach the children how to reflect. A song can be sung between each mystery.

• At the end of the Rosary, you may read and discuss an episode from the story of the Fatima children; a parent or a well-prepared child can offer a brief reflection.

• After the Hail Holy Queen, recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

• Pause again for a few moments of silence.

• Close by invoking the blessing of the Heavenly Father, which may also be given by the earthly father or mother.

This format can naturally be adapted according to the circumstances and available time.

Testimonies

“Mom! Mom! I have an atomic bomb—I’ll show you now!” shouted my nine-year-old daughter. I was startled and worried for a moment, as I had never heard her speak in that tone.
“Sweetheart, what are you saying? Do you have a fever?”
“No, Mom, I feel perfectly fine! I have an atomic bomb of peace and forgiveness right here on my heart. It’s the Holy Rosary—the weapon of Our Lady from Heaven—and this morning I said my ‘yes’ to Mary because I want to help her. I belong to the White Army. You know, Mom, there are many of us around the world, all united by the white crown of the Rosary. I’m proud to be part of the White Army.” (G.P. – Rome)

The little girl’s words from Rome are not far from the truth: the Rosary, when prayed in the family, activates a chain reaction—just like an atomic bomb—whose potential for Light and Life is known only to the Holy Spirit.