Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Family Devotions

I grew up in a very interesting family - on the outside we appeared like everyone else, but inside we did certain things differently.

My parents were Christians that took their Christianity seriously. They weren't holy rollers, they didn't walk around speaking in tongues or randomly administering blessings, and they didn't dress in a way that made them unique. They looked like everyone else. However they believed in the power of the Word, and its ability to change a person's life. They lived out their Christianity. My father was the strong quiet type, while my mom was vocal. For as long as I can remember up to around high school we had devotions daily, in the evening. Over time, it became once a week - and finally it stopped but at that point, it became each child's individual habit - well it became mine (I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters).

Our family devotions entailed reading the Bible; reading from a devotional, usually Our Daily Bread and as we got older, Streams in the Desert; short discussion if the devotional wasn't self explanatory; singing and finally prayer. We would go around and each person would read a verse (this really strengthened our reading skills). This lasted no more than 30 minutes.

My parents recognized the importance of having a Godly foundation and as an adult, my husband and I try to do the same with our family. We're not as disciplined as they were in terms of frequency. In good times, it's every other day; worse case - once a week. When the children were toddlers and I was working, it was quite hard to get a rhythm with this - they wouldn’t keep still or wouldn’t pay attention. We just stuck it out.

Recently we had Family Devotions and it was quite rich. We're attempting to do the book of Proverbs as a family. Anyhow, it warms my heart to hear how our children's lives are daily impacted by the scriptures. Rich discussion ensues - we read, we pray, we talk, but we don't sing.

There are many resources available online to assist with making this a regular habit. For starters all you need is dedication and a Bible. Also check out some of the links I’ve highlighted above.

I'd like to encourage each of you who read this blog to set aside a regular time to have family devotions with your family. You may not be the typical family - you may be a single mother or father, but this is still something you can do. As parents we want what's best for our children. We sign them up for all sorts of extracurricular activities, and focus on their academics. Sometimes we forget the spiritual or relegate this to a school or church.

Do not take laying a Godly foundation for you and your children for granted; it impacts all areas of your life.

Did you come from a home that regularly had family devotions? Have you started this habit in your home? Do you call it something else?

4 comments:

  1. I too believe in the power of laying a Godly foundation for your family. The world has so many temptations out there to ensnare our children but if they have the Word in their hearts, they will always have truth to well up in their spirit when evil comes to capture their attention. Love your blog in totality! Getting caught up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Nylse,

    I have been truly blessed by following your blog. If you get a chance, check out my blog at: http://chocolategirlsfoodforthesoul-kiki.blogspot.com/

    Thanks and Have a blessed day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My family didn't do devotions daily or on the regular. But what's interesting is that I remember the times that we did. They really had an impact on me. Train up a child in the way he should go... That is truth!

    When the Lord blesses me with a family, I definitely want to have daily devotions with them.

    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I wish I could have grown up with something like this in my home. I do plan to make this a regular part of child rearing when I do have kids though. Not only does this strengthen the relationship you have with your children but has a strong impact on a marriage as well. Great work family!

    ReplyDelete

I love reading your comments; but please be kind. Unkind comments will be removed.