Create Daily Family Devotion Time
Use the Following Tips to Start Worship and Prayer Time at Home
If regular daily devotion time is not something that exists in the home, the first step is to work it into the already established routine of the family.
To avoid frustration and the pitfall of it becoming a chore, the devotion time can be kept short and simple - until it is well-embedded in the daily routine of the household. Once it becomes established, it can be expanded to include more time and more creative activity.
There aren't any set rules for this type of thing. The family needs to apply tips and ideas that suit their particular family and lifestyle.
Support Materials for Daily Devotion Time
To keep things less complicated at the beginning, the family can make use of a ready-made devotional program. There are many devotional resources on the market to support these first efforts. There are also materials available from church groups that can be borrowed or copied.
Most importantly, there are valuable resources that are prepared specifically for children, explaining Bible teachings on their level. Some adults prefer these materials as well - especially in the beginning.
These materials can be kept in an easily accessible place. Having them out in the open will serve as a good reminder to take time for devotion.
Where to Have Worship and Prayer Time
Essentially, devotion can take place anywhere and anytime. However, in the beginning, it is important to establish one set place to use each time. This helps to create a sense of routine, especially for younger children.
The chosen place should be free from distractions, with resource materials kept close at hand.
When to Have Worship and Prayer Time
When support materials are gathered, and a place has been established, time needs to be carved out of that busy schedule. Children should not be disrupted from regular activities because it could lead to resentment - which would defeat the purpose of devotion time.
Mealtimes are a good place to start. They are the most common time for most, or all, of the family to come together. A blessing at the beginning of the meal, and a few minutes of devotion and prayer at the end, does not disrupt the schedule to the point of frustration. It will soon become routine.
Ideally, the whole family would come together in the morning before everyone scatters for the day. If this is not possible, one adult should try to find time to be with the younger members of the family.
Another good time to have family devotion is in the evening right before the youngest members go to bed. This creates a peaceful atmosphere for rest and renewal.
The Impossible Family Schedule
Sometimes hectic family schedules can make it difficult for the whole family to come together at one time. A rotating schedule can be organized to ensure that each family member spends time with each other member several times during the week.
A schedule can even be posted on the fridge, or some other central location. This may seem odd, but it can work to establish that much needed routine.
After the routine is established, crafts, games, and differents locations can be included in the daily family devotion time.
