How to Have Devotions with Your Children

Posted by Fire Bible on August 31, 2012 09:31 am CDT

If you are a Christian who wants to raise your children to follow Christ, you probably already realize the importance of having regular, daily devotions with your children. You probably also know that it can become one of the biggest frustrations you face in a long day of child rearing. How can you avoid the frustration and still help your children learn important Bible truths? devotions with your kids

Here are five simple steps to help you along your way toward great devotions:

1. Pick a consistent time to bring your family together for devotions. This might seem impossible, but if you put the kids to bed at 8:00pm each night, you can easily incorporate devotions at 7:40. Spend 15 minutes together learning God's Word and memorizing a verse or two and then send them off to brush their teeth and get ready for bed at the usual time.

2. Pick stories that are age appropriate. Young children love stories, but learning the details of Jewish law at age 6 might not be a reasonable expectation. As they grow older, move them from the simplest stories to the more intricate accounts of God's direction for His people. That way, your children will stay interested in what the Bible teaches and mature as believers.

3. Allow your children to play a part. At first, it might be asking your young child to help you hold the Bible as you read. Later, have them act out the stories. When they are older, ask them to share in the reading of the passage you are studying.

4. Help your child memorize verses. You may need to use simplified versions as first, but soon they will work very hard toward memorizing entire passages!

5. Change the pattern of your devotions, but stay consistent about when you meet. It is fun to have devotions under a lantern while camping, but there is a place for familiarity too. Try to pick a comfortable, well-lit area that allows you to make eye contact with your children. If they are small and want to cuddle, encourage them to pay close attention even while they get their hugs.

Having family devotions is a great way to encourage your children to follow Christ, not only while they are young but throughout their adult lives. Family devotions can be fun and rewarding, so long as you take a few positive steps to ensure that your time together consistent and interesting.

The Fire Bible for Kids is packed with great devotionals and materials that any parent can follow along with their child. Detailed and illustrated stories and events bring the Bible to life. Start with the Fire Bible as your next children's Bible and see where God takes you.