A Simple 4-Step Plan for Family Devotions

Sometimes “Family Devotions” can feel daunting. Perhaps we, as women, have the idea that the man is supposed to be the “spiritual leader”, the head of the household, so we sit around and wait for him to do some grand “spiritual leading” (and put a great deal of pressure on him about it) but he’s not sure what to do, so we feel grumpy about it, and he feels grumpy about it because we’re grumpy about it, and we’re all not sure what this family devotion stuff is supposed to be about, because it sounds like a really big deal.

And it is a big deal … just not in the way that we think. 

Perhaps we envision pulling out the giant family Bible and everyone sitting solemnly around the table with folded hands, gently nodding at the sacred words, then praying eloquent prayers in hushed voices. So when we try that and put tons of pressure on ourselves, then little Johnny accidentally farts during prayer time and starts laughing and little Jenny pees her pants during scripture reading and starts crying hysterically, we throw our hands in the air and quit.

Family devotions can be simple and easy. We really can relax about how it looks and whether we’re “doing it right.” The hard part is just doing it. There are lots of fun ways, but here is our daily routine for morning devotions. And just so you know, sometimes Jeff is with us and sometimes he’s not. It’s unreasonable to put all the pressure of “leading” everyday on their shoulders. Talk through this together, and decide what simple things you can do each day to lead your kids to Jesus, together. Here are some ideas for a simple 4-part daily devotional routine. Read–Memorize–Pray–Live

KNOWING GOD THROUGH HIS STORY

Learning about God’s character is a lifelong pursuit. Everyone, of all ages, whether three, thirty-three, or ninety-three, can meditate and discuss our Father’s character and attributes as they come to us in Scripture. Take a passage, a narrative/story in particular (great kids’ Bibles and resources here), and consider general questions such as:

1. What does this Bible story reveal about who God is? (His character)
2. What actions in the story do we see by God’s people? Are these actions godly or selfish? (Godly traits are those such as generosity, courage, wisdom, faithfulness, and humility, while selfish traits usually center around pride, greed, and are played out in the ways of foolishness.)
3. In light of who God is, and what He has done for us, as seen in this story, what godly response does He want from us today? (Think about what your kids, and you, are facing in daily life, and connect the dots.)

These questions, and others like them, are the building blocks of all meaningful Bible study. Revise the wording if needed for your kids. Resist the urge to supply all the correct answers from the outset, and invite everyone to the joy of discovering who God is, what He has done for us, and how He desires for us to respond to His grace.

TAKING HIS WORDS TO HEART: Scripture Memorization

Within the Scripture story there usually is a verse that leaps off the page. Think of a way to summarize it in a rhythmic way. Examples:

• “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid.” —Deuteronomy 31:6
• Or, “Be strong and brave, be sure to obey. Don’t turn to the left, don’t turn to the right, that you may have success.” —Joshua 1:7

(Click reference links above and see what the “adult” wording would be, and note how they’ve been shortened or revised for kids’ minds and hearts.)

An idea: use hand motions, or make the verse sound like a song. Some fun and easy kid’s verses to memorize are Letter Lessons.

PRAYING TOGETHER

After reading Scripture and pulling out the key concepts and lessons, turn this into a prayer to God. None of us can change on our own, and it’s great to model for our kids that we need God’s Spirit and power to change us from the inside out. You might say, “Let’s pray: ‘Dada God, please help me to be brave and obey Mommy when it’s time for bed.’” Just something simple. You’re probably already doing these things, but try to link the prayer to something you’ve read in scripture.

This models for our kids how to intake and apply scripture right away. Ask your kids what they feel scared about, nervous, happy. Spend time talking to God about whatever they are feeling. Encourage them often whenever they take steps in prayer!

LIVE IT OUT

Finally, take some action step as a result of your time in the Word and prayer. Be “doers” of the Word right away. Give your kids some “practice” being brave, or obeying right away, or act out what they might do if they are in a difficult situation. Just think of something fun you can DO right away to practice whatever you just learned.

Finish your time with a special treat, or snuggle and wrestling time, or whatever your kids love most. Be all there. Connect family JOY and family fun with family worship.

• For more on good resources, such as choosing a family Bible and more, see  Renewal: leading our families in the Gospel.