You will probably find that as circumstances and your family change, so will your prayer. What is important is getting your child (ren) comfortable in recognizing wrongdoing, admitting it, expressing sorrow, and celebrating the certainty of forgiveness. Always end with a sign of peace.

• Create the proper atmosphere. You want family members to feel peaceful and reflective, not threatened or nervous. Try soft lighting or soft music. Lead a short examination of conscience.

• Read Scripture and talk about what the story or teaching means to you. You might want to read:
  • The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)
  • The Lost Coin (Luke 8-10)
  • The Story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
  • The Forgiving Father (Luke 15:11-24)
  • The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-30)
  • The Penitent Woman (Luke 7:36-50)
  • The Good Thief (Luke 23:33-43)

• Use the Psalms as prayer. Try Psalm 23:1-4, Psalm 25:4-5, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 51:12-13, Psalm 67:2, Psalm 136:1.

• Pattern a prayer on the general intercessions familiar in Mass. Take turns beginning, "For the times when I (or we)?." All respond, "Lord, forgive us."

• Gather around a campfire, barbecue grill, or fireplace. After an examination of conscience, or a general discussion of "how things are going around the house lately," invite family members to jot down any sins or faults they need to eliminate or any grudges they are holding. Then burn the pieces of paper in the fire, symbolizing the destruction of sin and division.

• Share a visible sign of reconciliation: Offer one another a sign of peace—a sincere handshake, or a hug. Make promises to one another about how you will "make up" for the discord you have caused.