By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to a common priesthood (as differentiated from ordained priests), but husbands have a special role as the priests of the domestic churches in their homes. Andrew Schmiedicke and his wife, Regina Doman, have been married for thirty years and have raised a large family. In Prayer Book for a Domestic Priest: Essential Prayers for Husbands and Fathers, he shares many of the prayers he has used over the years to deepen his own spiritual life and to pray with his family.

In the Foreword, Regina Doman states: “The father as domestic priest is there to lead prayer, to model praying for his children, but specifically to intercede for his family, himself, his spouse, his children, and his ancestors.” Schmiedicke builds on that idea in his Introduction:

A husband and father has a priestly call in Christ Jesus to offer his life as a sacrifice to God for the immortal souls and external well-being of his wife and children. . . We must take the lead in family prayers; establish faith-based household rituals and customs; give correction, guidance, and blessings; and help our children love the Mass for generations to come.

This compact book, perfect for leaving on a nightstand or carrying in a laptop bag, contains a wide variety of prayers. There are individual prayers, prayers for sharing with a spouse, and communal prayers for the family. There are blessings for special occasions (I personally loved the funeral service for a pet) as well as prayers to utilize during various liturgical seasons. While a handful of the prayers are geared only towards husbands/fathers, the vast majority of them can be used by wives/mothers as well.

A praying husband/father is an immeasurable gift to a family. Prayer Book for a Domestic Priest: Essential Prayers for Husbands and Fathers would make a wonderful wedding or Father’s Day gift. A wife may also wish to give this to her husband as a gentle encouragement for him to pray more.  

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