Rejoice: A Prayer Habit That’s Changing Our Home

About a month ago, a friend asked me to join her in a Bible.com devotional about prayer walking through your house (link).

I’ve done prayer walks outside before, but I had never really walked through my own home and prayed. It felt a little strange at first. I found myself walking around the house to cover the various day’s topics, and I realized I’m much more comfortable doing these walks when my family isn’t home. I kept going—and now I’m on my third time through the devotional.

I didn’t expect anything big to happen. It was just another devotional. But I’ve noticed a few changes in our home since I started.

One morning, she clearly wasn’t in the mood. That day’s prayer focus was rejoice. Before she came downstairs, I kept saying rejoice over and over. Philippians 4:4 is one of my favorites:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

She didn’t complain at all that day. I didn’t point it out—because that would’ve earned me an eye roll. I just noticed it.

She didn’t complain at all that day. I didn’t point it out because that would've earned me an eyeroll. I just noticed it.

Another change is that my girls and I have gotten back into the habit of reading the Bible or doing a short devotional together at night. We had let that slide—just busy, tired, distracted. Prayer walking has made me more aware of how easily good habits can fade.

One day in the devotional focused on praying against outside influences, including technology. Yikes. Evenings are usually when we all split up and go our separate ways—mostly on screens. Instead of doing that, I’ve been choosing to sit with my husband and watch whatever he has on. Sports. I’ve been watching a lot of sports. But guess what? We’ve been having conversations—which wasn’t happening before.

Nothing about our house looks drastically different. Life is still busy. My kids still complain. Screens are still there. But I’ve noticed I’m less cranky and more likely to pause and respond calmly in tense moments.

I didn’t start this devotional expecting results. I just kept walking and praying. And apparently, that’s been enough to notice some small but real changes.

I started a new journal recently and wrote out Philippians 4:4–8. I keep coming back to it as I walk through the house and pray.

Rejoice.

Don’t be anxious.

Think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

Exactly what I need.