A line of children—your children—stare up at you from the sofa. The younger ones bounce with anticipation. The teens raise their eyebrows in skepticism. Family devotions? What is Dad up to now? You ask yourself the same question.
You’re not a preacher. You’re not a child educator. Somehow, you find yourself the parent of these little humans, and God expects you to raise them for Him. So, you decide to start family devotions. You find a good point in the family schedule and let them know when, where, and how long you will gather in the living room for family devotions each day. Now, they are here in front of you. What do you do?
1. Sing a Short Song or Two.
If music is not your gifting, then choose short choruses or familiar hymns (Ephesians 5:19). If you are adventurous, learn a Scripture song and memorize God’s Word together by singing it every day. The truths you teach through song will stick with your children for decades to come.
2. Read a Portion of Scripture Out Loud.
With younger children, keep it short. With older children, divide up a chapter and have everyone read out loud (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Proverbs is a great book to read together, choosing the chapter that matches the day of the month. Children not only hear God’s truth but also learn to read clearly out loud, a valuable life skill.
3. Ask Each Child a Simple Question.
When the reading is done, ask each child, “What did you hear in this passage?” From youngest to oldest, they will share one thing they heard. Younger children can just repeat phrases they may or may not understand. Older children should share with more depth or application. Encourage them to relate why they chose a particular verse and how it helps them in their life. You can use this as a brief teaching moment. However, beware that long diatribes may make children resent this time, so keep it short and sweet.
4. Pray Together.
Once again, go from youngest to oldest, including the parents. There is no need to ask for prayer requests because you can listen to each others’ prayers. Keep the prayers short and reverent. If some children get in ruts and repeat the same thing every day, gently suggest other items for prayer before you all begin.
5. Add Variety Sometimes
Maybe in the summer or Christmas holiday times, vary your family devotions by reading short passages from other books that will encourage spiritual growth. Some parents with older children have used my missions devotional, Daring Devotion in this way.[1] However, no devotional book should ever replace the reading of God’s Word. God’s word sparks and grows faith as your children hear it (Romans 10:17).
Just Do It
Stepping up to lead your family spiritually can be daunting. At first, younger children may not catch on. Older children might roll their eyes. Respect the eyes of God more than the eyes of your children who need to grow in spiritual maturity. Gently lead your family to Him (Psalm 34:11). These short times of family devotions—just fifteen to thirty minutes each—can have a cumulative effect over time. God will use you to encourage your children to know Him and to gradually grow in their faith (Philippians 1:9–11).
[1] Need more help in leading family devotions? Subscribe to my author website and download a one-page Family Devotions Guide. In addition, you can read previous posts (#1, #2, and #3) in this series on family devotions.
For more encouragement for your devotional life, check out my missions devotional, Daring Devotion, and its sequel, Daring Dependence, to be released in late November 2022.
Photo credit: Ben White on unsplash.
