Lessons Learned from Imperfect Family Devotions
As a parent, pastor, and children’s book author, I’ve had my fair share of struggles when it comes to family devotions. With five kids, it wasn’t always easy to make it work. But despite the inconsistencies and imperfections, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’d like to share with you.
What Not to Do
Before we dive into the dos, let’s talk about what not to do. Firstly, don’t make family devotions a chore. Your attitude and tone can make or break the experience for your kids. Avoid being harsh or judgmental, and instead, approach God’s word with joy and excitement.
Secondly, don’t try to cover too much material at once. Quality is better than quantity, and it’s essential to prioritize your family’s engagement over the amount of scripture you cover.
Thirdly, be flexible. If your family is having a bad day, it’s okay to skip devotions or keep it short and sweet. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or emotional, it might be better to take a break and come back when you’re feeling more centered.
Fourthly, avoid lecturing your kids. Instead, encourage them to participate and engage with the scripture. And finally, don’t worry too much about being novel or creative. Sometimes, simply reading scripture together can be incredibly powerful.
How to Implement Family Devotions
So, how can you implement family devotions in a way that works for you and your family? Here are some tips:
Be Realistic
Start small and be realistic about your goals. You don’t need to commit to daily devotions if that’s not feasible for your family. Begin with one or two days a week and be flexible with your schedule.
Keep it Short and Sweet
Aim for short and sweet devotions that leave your kids wanting more. Remember, the goal is to cultivate a love for God’s word, not to overwhelm them with too much information.
Share the Mic
Encourage your kids to participate and share their thoughts and observations. This is a great way to help them develop their critical thinking skills and engage with scripture on a deeper level.
Use a Devotional Guide
If you’re using a devotional guide, feel free to adjust the readings and questions to suit your family’s needs. And don’t be afraid to add your own questions or activities to make it more engaging.
Cultivate Curiosity and Awe
Model curiosity and awe as you come to God’s word, and encourage your kids to do the same. Ask open-ended questions that spark their imagination and creativity.
Sing and Move
Don’t forget to incorporate music and movement into your devotions. Singing and moving can help your kids engage with scripture in a more tangible way.
Be Personal
Share your own struggles and weaknesses with your kids, and confess your sins. This is a great way to model humility and authenticity, and to show your kids that family devotions are a journey, not a destination.
Play the Long Game
Remember that family devotions are a long-term investment in your kids’ spiritual growth. Don’t expect overnight changes, but instead, focus on building a strong foundation that will last a lifetime.
Be Repetitive
Repetition is key when it comes to family devotions. Use the same prayers and scriptures regularly, and watch as your kids begin to memorize and internalize them.
Pray
Finally, pray. Pray for wisdom, for your kids, and for your family’s spiritual growth. Pray that your time in the word and prayer will be fruitful, and that God will bear the fruit of his Spirit in your family.
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