If not, I ask that you ask yourself, "Why don't we?"
I'm sure there are many excuses. I'm also sure that there are many questions about how to go about it and what resources to use.
Let me give you a couple of links to devotions to do with your teen:
I know with family schedules, we tend to spread ourselves to thin by getting involved in too many activities, it is hard to find a time to have a devo time with our teens. Here are some suggestions:
>Wake everyone up 15 minutes earlier and read a chapter from Proverbs together as you eat breakfast together. "Breakfast together? What's that?"
>Pray with them in the car on the way to school/games/etc.
>Plan to eat at least 3 family suppers together with the understanding that after the meal there will be a time to share prayer requests and do a devo together.
>Make it interactive. They already think you lecture them enough. :)
>Keep a family prayer journal
>Make a family date with God and stick to it.
>Start today. It takes about 30 days to make something a habit.
>If you are just getting started doing a family devo time make sure to explain the "why" to your teen.
>Talk about Sunday's sermon at Sunday lunch. Look for a few scriptures you can read during the week to build on the message's point.
There are a few suggestions to help you get going.
2 comments:
Hey Andy...thanks for the great links. I signed up for Heart Connex. Looking forward to something new...
Great links! Our family is currently doing Powerful Prayers for Your Family by David and Heather Kopp. With our kids age span (8-14) it's sometimes a challenge to find a family devo that appeals to everyone. This one is GREAT. My 8 year old also likes to do a Bible study with me (mostly so we can make decaf coffee and he can have his own cup)from this site : http://www.biblestudyplanet.com/studies/kids.aspx
It can be used for a variety of different age groups. He loves it! He loves memorizing scripture, which is so vital, I think.
Sometimes the kids are not all that excited about "having to do devotional" but the most amazing thing happens when we do. Even if they have been bickering, or had an attitude with us or we've all just kinda gotten tired of looking at each other's faces, during devo we seem to come back together as a family and remember that we really DO love each other!
Thanks for such a great blog, Andy. Sometimes it makes me really pause to consider a new point of view and sometimes it just seems to validate something we're already doing!
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