Modern Context: This instruction is new, an emphasis on family prayer. The fact that it is “wives and your children” who will be blessed show that Jesus is addressing only the male heads of household. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” underscores the father’s presiding role in the marriage partnership:
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
Book of Mormon Context: The Mesoamerican context would likely have followed Israelite patriarchy. Unlike the encouragement that may be required for modern fathers to take an appropriate role in the family, culture would have defined that role more clearly for the Nephites and Israelites.