Much as we hate to admit it as parents, practicing the art of Family Devotions often leaves us bewildered. We know it is something we "should" do as parents; it is something we want to do as parents; but try as we might to make the lessons

relevant, meaningful, and interesting, we feel we have failed. Rather than excite our kids with the promises of scripture, we bore them.

Over the years, our family has tried numerous ways to apply the command in Deuteronomy 6:6-9:

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

Sometimes our ideas have worked and sometimes they haven't. Variety is an essential ingredient for a positive experience. Age and attention levels are also important considerations as you plan your family devotions. Finally, keep these family times fun. Avoid lengthy "sermons" and lectures; ask a lot of questions and then listen. It is a thrill to learn something fresh from your children's insight.

To get you started, here are a few methods we have found helpful and enjoyable.

1. Bible 20 Questions Follow the format of the traditional 20-Questions with teams or individual players. (We used the team-system while the kids were pre-school age and were not always able to accurately answer the questions on their own.) One person or team thinks of something or someone from the Bible. The other people or teams ask questions to discover who/what it is. The categories we use are a) person, b) place, c) thing, or d) animal. We always begin with the question: "Is this in the Old Testament?" (Remember only 'yes' 'no' questions may be asked.)

The benefit of this method is two-fold.  Since it is a game, the learning is disguised. Secondly, in addition to the obvious Bible knowledge gained, kids learn the valuable skills of categorizing and evaluating data.  No physical materials are needed either, so it is something that can be done anytime, anywhere.

2. Seasonal Devotions Take advantage of the different seasons, holidays, and special times of the year to add variety and interest to your devotions. Many materials and ideas are ready to use and can be purchased at your local Christian bookstore.

3.  Prayer Calendar Also available at your local Christian bookstore is this yearlong calendar published by Focus on the Family. Each month has a different focus, such as "Lord, teach me to trust,” or  "Lord, teach me to love." Within that month, each day has either a Bible passage to read or an activity to do. Its simplicity was ideal for young children or as a prayer focus to be used in conjunction with a more in-depth devotional with older kids.

4.  Little Visits on the Go Published by Concordia Publishing House, this tape and book set was a staple in our house when the kids were pre-school age and early elementary.

5.  Monthly Devotionals Published by numerous companies, including "My Devotions," (Concordia), these periodicals are available either through your church, a Christian bookstore, and even Christian businesses. The daily passages and stories are written for a target audience and often end with questions for discussion.

6.  Devotional Books for 1 Year Many choices of devotion books are available at your local Christian bookstore. If you are looking for specific issues, character traits, or topics, chances are a devotional has been written to cover it. "Walk Through the Bible Ministries" has written a great family devotional entitled, Family Walk (Zondervan Publishing House, 1991). It is divided into 52 weekly readings for the family. Some of the weekly topics are: love, anger, courage, peer pressure, endurance, God's names, and values. Each weekly lesson is divided into five days. Day One introduces the key verse for the week. Days Two through Five are divided into these three sections: an opening story, "Take a Look" which includes the Bible passage and daily questions, and "Take a Step" which reveals useful ways you can practice what you learn. It is designed to generate

conversation about contemporary issues. 

7. Radio Programs and Videos Occasionally using an audio drama or video as a family devotional is another option. It will provide variety and a change of pace. Pop some popcorn, grab some comfy pillows, and snuggle down together as a family next to the radio or TV. You'll be amazed how much discussion will spring from a shared program of this nature.  Some

programs our family highly recommends are:

“Keys for Kids”

“Adventures In Odyssey

“Videos”: Bible stories, "Veggie Tales"

Remember the essential ingredients: variety, age-level, and fun. Continually evaluate your family devotion times to discern if they are being effective. Use the following list of questions, adding ones of your own, as a tool to appraise your materials and sessions together.

1. Is the time we have chosen still best for our family's schedule? Is everyone present? Do we have adequate time for the questions, projects and lessons?

2. Is the material age-appropriate? Have our children out-grown it yet or is it still relevant to their daily lives and

experiences?

3. Is the material spiritually “deep” enough, or is it filled with too much “fluff”? Or is the material too heavy for us as a family?

4. Are the children regularly participating in the discussion, or are we as parents doing the majority of the talking?

5. Is everyone having FUN during devotions? Are the discussions lively and enjoyable as well as relevant?

6. Are we regularly doing the devotions, or is the material we've chosen too involved to fit in with our present schedule? Or, are we ready for something with more of a challenge - longer lessons, more questions or service projects?

 

Keep in mind that the goal is consistent, quality family time centered on the Word of God. Through trial and error, regular evaluations, and prayer, you too can succeed at the Art of Family Devotions.