God tells parents to teach their children about Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). While you can incorporate spiritual teachings in all family activities, establishing a designated time to talk about the Bible provides opportunities for your family to grow spiritually. How can you start family devotions?
Place devotions on your family calendar.
Family devotions will not be a priority and may not occur at all, if you do not write them on the calendar along with games and events. Plan activities around your devotion times and try not to put aside devotions for something else.
Start realistically.
Do not start with a daily one-hour devotion. You likely cannot maintain that schedule. Start with 10 to 15 minutes on two to three nights a week. Increase the length and frequency over time. Include all family members. Allow younger siblings to draw or move to another room if interest wanes.
Create a plan.
List verses, stories, and concepts you will use each week. Your child's Sunday School pages or devotional guides, such as More, Adventure, or Bible Express (available at www.lifeway.com/magazines), may serve as the basis for your devotions. Or make a list of stories or topics your family wants to study. (Use "Parenting for Life" on page 49 of every issue of ParentLife to begin your plan.)
Be flexible.
Use situations in your family's life as teachable moments. If your child is dealing with fears or your family receives an unexpected windfall, read relevant verses and talk about what the Bible says to do. Use your plan as a guide but do not be afraid to be as flexible as necessary.
Vary activities in devotions.
Read a Bible story. Toss a beanbag and repeat the words of a Bible verse. Draw pictures of how you can do what the Bible says. Sing a song or create your own songs. Complete a related mission project. Choose activities based on ages and interests.
Keep the Bible the center of what you do.
While you can have fun, focus all of your activities on learning and practicing the Bible's teachings.
Incorporate what you learn into life.
As your family works and plays, reinforce what you have discussed in your devotions. When you see a child's kind actions to a sibling, remind her of a Bible verse you read. When your child talks about a difficult situation at school, pray together. Build your family's spiritual life through doing and not just hearing the Bible's teachings.
Getting Started
Day 1: Read Luke 10:25-37. Encourage your family to talk about what the men did in Jesus' story. Read Luke 10:37 again. Talk about ways your family can show love to someone. Make a list. Pray, asking God to show your family which action to complete.
Day 2: Read Galatians 5:14. Repeat the verse together several times. Review your list. Choose one action your family will do. If possible, do that action today or plan a time that works best for your family. Encourage each person to pray, asking God to help him love his neighbor.