How to Structure My Daily DevotionalsSample

Reading the Word of God with Your Family

While it is wonderful to study the Bible individually, many Christian parents wonder how they can instill the Word of God into the hearts and lives of their children. The steps for successful family devotionals are similar to those for personal devotionals. We need to read the Word of God together as a family so the children can hear it. Then, the parents need to explain what the Scriptures mean to assure that the children can meditate on them. Lastly, the parents should demonstrate through examples of how the Bible applies to the daily circumstances of life.

The time when the family devotionals are done as well as how they are done can look different for every family. Yet, the basics of reading, explaining, and applying the Word of God need to be present. The parents can also explain to the children, in an age-appropriate manner, how the Bible applies in a family setting. For example, when the Scriptures talk about Christians forgiving one another, the parents can remind the children of a time they had a misunderstanding with a sibling or a friend and tell them how they can extend forgiveness to that person in the future. The parents can also remind children of respect to their teachers or elders in the community. The Word of God is full of truths that can enrich our children’s lives daily.

The parents should not only explain how the Word of God applies to everyday circumstances, but also practice the principles of the Word of God in their relationship with each other as well as with their kids. The Word of God is best learned by example and practice. When the children observe their parents apply the Bible in their own life, they will follow the lead and act in a similar manner. The entire family can be transformed into the image of God through His Word.

Each Christian family needs to be faithful with the Scriptures. Your individual and family devotional life does not have to match anyone else’s. It just has to reflect your passion for the principles of God’s Word to be rooted in your heart and the hearts of your children.

This devotional was inspired by an episode of the Straight Truth Podcast. You can listen to the episode at this link: https://straighttruth.net/how-to-structure-my-daily-devotionals/