Spending time with God each day is an important part of deepening your relationship with Him. Do you ever wonder how to carry that intentionality into your family time? Setting aside time with God as a family will strengthen your relationship with God and each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s in the middle of your routine or times when there are both work and school breaks, try out these five ideas for spending time with God as a family. Depending on the season your family is in, adjust and adapt these to fit your family\u2019s needs. Discover where you notice God and the ways He\u2019s loving, leading, and caring for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Would you like to invite peace into those chaotic mornings? Here is an idea for spending time with God as a family in the mornings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create a calming environment for breakfast, by playing a favorite worship album and encourage your family to leave their electronic devices in another room. Ask each person to share what they\u2019re specifically thankful to God for that day. Take the opportunity to tell God during breakfast and encourage your family to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional idea:<\/strong> Try our 30 Thankful Prayers<\/em><\/a> resource during your morning times together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever wondered how to be intentional with those moments in between \u2014 whether commuting to the next thing on the schedule or waiting in line? Here is an idea for spending time with God as a family during those in-between moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re in those in-between moments, offer the question, \u201cImagine Jesus with us now. What would you like to ask Him today?\u201d The answers could lead to deeper conversation, to certain Bible stories where Jesus answered that question, or even expressing these questions to Him through prayer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When the in-between moment has ended and it\u2019s time to move forward, make sure to make a note of the questions and come back to them later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional idea:<\/strong> Try The Prayer Hand<\/a><\/em> resource which makes prayer simple and easy to remember, even during those in-between moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have a few nights each week when everyone is home to enjoy a meal together? Here are ideas for spending time with God during family meal times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider using your family meal times as an opportunity to share a Bible passage and talk about it. One idea is sharing stories of meals throughout the Bible. Here are some Bible story references to start with: Genesis 25<\/a>; Judges 6<\/a>; 2 Samuel 9<\/a>; Matthew 26<\/a>; John 21:1-14<\/a>. If you have younger children, consider reading from a children\u2019s Bible or even listen to an audio Bible version of the story while you eat. Ask each person in your family where they see themselves in the story and why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another idea is to use a portion of your meal time to pray for others. You could even pick a specific day for those you pray for. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monday<\/strong> – family<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday<\/strong> – friends<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wednesday<\/strong> – neighbors<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thursday<\/strong> – city\/town<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friday<\/strong> – country<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday<\/strong> – world\/missions<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunday<\/strong> – those who don\u2019t yet know Jesus<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional idea:<\/strong> If you have young children, try sharing stories from Discipleship For Kids: Helping Children Grow in Christ<\/em><\/a> by NavPress<\/a> during your family meal times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your family have a favorite outdoor activity? Here are a few ideas for spending time with God during outdoor activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your outdoor activity moves slow, then use that time and journey to invite your family to notice their surroundings and where they see God\u2019s handiwork. Consider making it into a game for younger kids, like \u201cI Spy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your outdoor activity moves fast, then when there is a break, invite your family to notice how God created each of them uniquely. Use that time to encourage one another with how they reflect God\u2019s handiwork: \u201cI see Jesus in you because of\u2026 (this character quality and even how it\u2019s lived out in their lives).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional idea:<\/strong> Try incorporating prayer for your neighbors as you spend time with God outside with our 30 Days of Praying Through Your Neighborhood<\/a><\/em> resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your family have an evening routine? Try adding these ideas for spending time with God as a family while you end the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take turns praying for each person in your family and thanking God for who He is and the day that is almost finished. Sometimes the one-word prayers of thanks simplify prayers for the younger ones in your family: \u201cGod, thank You for being\u2026(Love, Mighty, Peace, King, etc.).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another idea is to select a Bible verse for the week and read it each night before bed. Give each family member who is able to read an opportunity to read it. See who has memorized this verse by the end of the week. The Topical Memory System<\/em><\/a> (TMS) and TMS for Kids<\/em><\/a> are great options for finding verses to memorize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Spending Time with God in Those In-Between Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be\u201d Psalm 139:16 (NIV).<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Spending Time with God During Meals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights\u201d Psalm 36:7-8 (NIV). <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Spending Time with God During Outdoor Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands\u201d Psalm 19:1 (NIV).<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Spending Time with God While Ending the Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety\u201d Psalm 4:8 (NIV).<\/h3>\n\n\n\n