Daily Family Devotions: Faith Amidst the Chaos

As Christian parents we desire nothing more than to raise children who will seek after righteousness and follow the truths of God. Whether a child is homeschooled, public schooled, or private schooled; it is still a parents job to train them in the way they should go. There are strategic steps we as parents can take to insure the spiritual well-being of our children. Yes, taking our children to church and living out the teachings of Christ is important; but a crucial aspect of raising up a godly generation (which is often missed) is teaching the scriptures from home, through family devotions.

As first generation Christians, my husband and I have had quite the learning curve in training children to follow after the Lord. We knew early on in our child rearing days, that we wanted to incorporate daily family devotions to help instill the word of God into our children's hearts. With many young children we have run the gauntlet of the 'how-to's' for incorporating family devotions into our crazy life. After much trial and error we have come up with a simple system that works for us.

Simple Daily Family Devotion Plan

1. Sing a hymn or praise and worship song either along with a cd, acappella, or with an instrument. You can sing as many songs as you'd like, just remember that the little ones attention spans are limited.
2. Read a couple verses of the Bible or read along with a family devotional book. We have read through many. I typically purchase a yearly one and we go through it a couple times before we get a new one. Make sure to take the time to discuss the scriptures and/or the daily lesson and prompt the children to add their thoughts or questions.
3. Close with prayer. During this time you can ask the children if they have any prayer needs and discuss in detail any prayer concerns you plan to pray about.

This is just a simple plan which we have used over the years. We have found keeping it short and simple is best, especially with so many little kids. Our family devotions typically average 15 minutes. We've found this to be a good time frame in keeping with the younger children's limited attention span. Consistency with daily family devotions helps the children learn what is expected of them during this time. And, it is also good practice for church.

Now that we have a simple plan established, it's on to the implementation of daily family worship. I know that many of you have full evenings with extra-curruclars, homework, and chores; but I assure you a quick family devotion can be done with minimal stress. The Lord knows our hearts and will honor our efforts no matter how chaotic our lives may get. But I have a few tried and true suggestions that will hopefully make the daily commitment for family devotions just a tad bit easier.

Stress Free Daily Devotions

1. We have found the best way to do daily family devotions is immediately after dinner, before kitchen clean-up, at the kitchen table. We simply clear off the table and go straight to our family worship time. The children typically have full bellies and are content. Leave the little bitty ones in their high chairs or booster seats. Make sure they are comfortable and give them their 'Lovies' if they have one.
2. Make sure everyone has their bibles, song books, as well as notebooks and pencils. We have found even the younger ones enjoy having their own bible books to look at during our worship time.
3. Expect interruptions, distractions, and child training opportunities. God does not expect perfection, He will handle the follow through. It is simply a parents job to do the teaching.
4. Don't teach over their heads. Keep it all age appropriate. This is why we like yearly family devotional books. They help teach the scriptures on a child's level.
5. Involve the children in the lessons. Ask questions and allow for their input. Don't be afraid to veer off topic so long as it is still within the context of family worship. Some of our best family conversations have begun through our family devotions.

Daily family devotions is a special gift from the Lord. All we have to do is make it happen and God will bless our efforts. Don't get discouraged if your daily devotions seem like only an opportunity for discipline. Make a point to pray for your daily family worship time during YOUR  quiet time, trust that God will honor your diligence, and remember your children are still in the training process. Establishing a solid foundation of faith in the hearts of your children amidst the chaos of life IS possible; it just takes a simple plan, perseverance, and commitment.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer

3 Easy Steps to Keep Prayer a Priority

As a Christian homemaker my relationship with Christ is of the utmost importance. Without God, there is no way I could live one moment, much less accomplish all that is required of me each day.  Life is full of triumphs and victories, but with each joyous occasion comes hardships and trials that will challenge our faith to its very core. I find great comfort in knowing there is a greater being who will never disappoint or let me down. Learning how to pray with J.O.Y. has allowed me to grow closer to the Lord, further enabling me to be the wife and mother God has called me to be.

The art of biblical homemaking can only come from a solid relationship with the Lord. The next step is to cultivate an active prayer life. Prayer is a wonderful way to insure the pathways to Christ are kept active and viable. Prayers to our Heavenly Father should be said consistently and on a daily basis. We can read in scripture, many times, where Jesus and other godly men and women prayed with diligence and commitment. Prayer should notbe a last resort, but a constant extension of our worship unto God.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)

Prayer does not have to be a complicated process. It should simply be a gentle, yet focused conversation with the Lord. I have an easy acronym that I like to use to help with planning my prayer time which helps me to keep it a priority. I have heard several prayer acronyms over the years, but the one I like the best is ‘praying with J.O.Y’. Praying in a specific order assures us that we bring honor and glory to God first, the needs of others next, and ourselves last. The letters for the prayer guide I use stand for Jesus, Others, and Yourself.

3 Easy Steps to Keep Prayer a Priority

• Jesus: If it were not for Jesus dying on the cross we would notbe able to send our prayers to God. We should always send our praises of thanksgiving to Him. During my prayer time, I graciously send my appreciation heavenward for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me, recognizing many of them specifically. We are sinful creatures who owe Jesus a debt of gratitude from saving us from eternal damnation, the least we can do is thank Him for all His provisions.

"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:34 (KJV)

• Others: We should put others before ourselves. There are many needs in our world; salvation, healing, strength, courage and protection to name a few. The hurts of this fallen world are great and everyonecould use a prayer spoken on their behalf. It is an honor and privilege to pray for believers and unbelievers alike. It is a very special and intimate way we can serve family, friends, as well as those we don’t even know. Fortunately, God does know each and every one of us and He has called us to bring allour cares unto Him.

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16 (KJV)

• Yourself: Finally, we can and shouldpray for ourselves. The first words spoken in regards to my personal needs is for repentance from sins that often plague me, I pray that God would lead and direct my day, and that I would be in-tune to the opportunities He provides for me each day to serve Him. In regards to my homemaking pursuits; my prayer is that I would accomplish all that He would have me to do each day, as well as to accept the things I cannot.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6 (KJV)

Do not forget to take the time to listen during your prayer time. For it is in those still, quiet moments that we may hear the powerful and mighty words of our Savior. God is real and desires an interactive personal relationship with His believers. If we are doing all the talking with no listening, we may miss His precious words of wisdom and love.

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10 (KJV)

The body of Christ needs more prayer warriors, those who will be faithful to lift up the needs of our fallen world to theAuthor andCreator.  As a homemaker my load is often heavy. Weariness can easily grip my countenance, but I hold fast to the comforting words of my Lord, and I cast all my cares upon Him. I can't imagine my life without prayer and communication with God. Keeping prayer a priority in my life gives me strength and courage to press on towards the goal God has set before me. If you are seeking to find joy andsuccess in the art of homemaking, I highly encourage you to commit to consistently praying with J.O.Y.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30 (KJV)

With Love & Hope,

Jennifer