11 Tips on … Including God in Your Family Life

1. Have set times of family devotions. Put some effort into planning this time so that it’s varied and fun and something to look forward to. (Editor's note: You can find some great, free Christian devotionals for kids of all ages at FreeKidStories and My Wonder Studio.)

2. Use the time that you study God’s Word together as an opportunity to pass on to your children your enthusiasm for learning and discovering new spiritual treasures.

3. Work together to adopt spiritual principles and habits. Use lots of positive reinforcement and make it fun, by deciding together on specific goals and rewards for achievements.

4. Pray together often—before meals, for safety on outings, for the day, and before bed. These prayers can be short and simple, and just a regular part of your everyday life.

5. Share your prayer requests with one another. Set up a “prayer board,” which lists needs and requests, and check them off as they are answered. You can also add verses that can be claimed in prayer.

6. Work on a Bible verse memory project together. Put up a chart listing everyone’s names and the memorization goal. Decide on a prize when the goal is completed.

7. Watch a meaningful movie or documentary together, and talk about it. Share your thoughts and perspectives and highlight any significant spiritual principles reflected in it.

8. Celebrate holidays in a way that acknowledges the true intent behind the special date or glorifies God in some way. (This can be done even with non-Christian celebrations.)

9. Foster a culture of sharing and giving to God and to others. Set aside your tithe as a family, and/or set aside extra gifts for special times of year. Decide together on whom you will give to, or come up with a project that will benefit those in need.

10. Hear from the Lord as a family for important decisions, or on matters that affect everyone. Discuss the situation and then ask the Lord for His guidance, and take a few minutes of silence to hear from Him.  

11. Be an example to your children of godly values in action. Remember that they are observing your words and deeds, and will learn more from your daily example and actions than from all the admonitions you could give them.

Text courtesy of The Family International. Used with permission.