There is a chapter in the book I’m reading, “Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives,” which discusses the impact that faith has on marriage and families. Although there have been many studies conducted in which religious faith is measured against health, family life, marriage, etc., the text says it’s difficult to prove that faith has any real measure on the success of family life.[i] Yet, the text concludes that, “Evidence suggests that shared faith appears to be a principle upon which “successful marriages and families are established and maintained.”[ii] As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we don’t need proof to know that the active exercise of our faith helps our families and marriages survive the storms of life.

In Elder Richard G. Scott’s October 2014 General Conference address, he explains how prayer, scripture study, family home evening, and temple attendance will help us “endure every temptation, every heartache, [and] every challenge we face.”[iii]  He calls each of these actions, tools which will help us with our challenges.

Prayer

He counsels parents to “help safeguard your children by arming them morning and night with the power of family prayer.” Prayer brings us closer to each member of the Godhead. As we exercise our faith through prayer, we receive help from them. Praying daily as individuals, couples, and families will strengthen our bonds with our Father in Heaven and with one another.

Scripture Study

Elder Scott says “If you want your children to recognize, understand, and act on the promptings of the Spirit, you must study the scriptures with them.” The same admonition applies to individuals and couples. From personal experience, my prayers are often answered while I read my scriptures. The answers don’t always come straight from the verses themselves, but because I have placed myself in the position to be fed by the Spirit, I am more open to inspiration during that time.

Family Home Evening

During this summer, I have been having FHE with my daughter and son-in-law each week. My daughter is living with me while my son-in-law is in another state for an internship. Even though FHE is conducted over the internet, it has been a faith-filled experience. I have no doubt that my daughter and son-in-law are being blessed while they are being faithful to God’s commands.

Temple Attendance

The temple is a sanctuary from the world. The power that we have received from our covenants fortifies us against the adversary and whatever may be thrust upon as we dwell in mortality. It’s necessary that we attend often so that we remember those covenants and so that we are continually strengthened. We may not be able to attend the temple with all of our family members, but they too will be blessed as we exercise our faith by going to the temple often.

I know that there is power in each of these tools. I testify that Elder Scott’s promise to us is true. Our marriages and families will be able to endure all of the trials, temptations, and heartaches we may be faced with if we act upon our faith and use the tools of prayer, scripture study, FHE, and temple attendance to strengthen us.

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[i] Marks, L. D., Dollahite, D. C., & Freeman, J. J. (2016). Faith in Family Life. In Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives (pp. 185-193). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University.

[ii] Ibid.

[iii] https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/make-the-exercise-of-faith-your-first-priority?lang=eng