By Dr. Don Dunlap
Pastoral Counselor
All out of ideas for creative family devotion times? Read on for some helpful suggestions.
Family Counseling Ministries -
If you’re thinking that you have to invest hours of
planning in your family devotion times, think again! Faithful, consistent
efforts get the job done, no matter how simple the plan. In the 8th
article of a 20-part series, Dr. Dunlap suggests several helpful ideas that can
be easily implemented, such as Bible flash-stories, character qualities,
catechism, notes of encouragement and gratitude journals.
Many parents feel discouraged and embarrassed by the fact
that they have repeatedly begun a family devotional plan, only to find that it
seems to fall apart within a few weeks. One of the major obstacles to
maintaining a consistent family worship time is that parents often attempt a
plan that is too complicated and too time-consuming. We now continue a list of
suggested activities for family devotions that are simple and meaningful.
Help your family develop an “attitude of gratitude.”
Begin a family journal of thankfulness and write in it
from time to time. Developing a grateful spirit in our children is of primary
importance. Occasionally take a few minutes during family devotions to write a
family thank-you note to someone who has done a kind deed for your family.
Don’t fail to teach your children godly character.
Take a few minutes during family worship each week to
discuss a particular character quality from Scripture. The last three articles
in this series list 49 character qualities taken from God’s Word. Talk about
the definition of the quality you have chosen to work on and brainstorm as a
family about ways to demonstrate this character quality throughout the week. Also
explain what happens to relationships when people fail to demonstrate this
particular quality. Post the “Character Quality of the Week” on index cards in
strategic places around your home and in your car. Praise family members who
exemplify the character quality during the week.
Be certain that your children know what they
believe. Obtain a booklet of catechism questions and make a copy for each
family member. Familiarize your sons and daughters with great doctrinal truths
by reading a few questions aloud during family devotions and ask them to read
the answers in unison. You will be amazed at how quickly they begin to memorize
the questions and the answers.
Remember that your teaching methods do not have to be fancy or
complicated.
Your family will appreciate your efforts.
During one family devotion time each week, you may want to
discuss the sermon that was preached the past Sunday. Ask if anyone remembers
what the pastor’s topic was and then take turns thinking of ways to practically
apply the truths that were taught.
Read interesting and pertinent articles from Christian
magazines. Or, after reading a few Bible verses aloud, use the “scripture”
portion of family devotions to have family members sign a greeting card of
encouragement for a missionary, or a sick or grieving friend. The possibilities
are limitless. Remember that when you lead them lovingly and by faith, the
simplest family worship activity will bless your family and cause them to grow
spiritually.
Dr. Don
Dunlap, a pioneer in the placement of Pastoral Counselors in the offices of
Christian physicians, has conducted over twenty thousand appointments during
his ministerial career. His counseling practice includes adults, children and
families in crisis. Dr. Dunlap is committed to facilitating a network of
telephone counselors. His goal is to provide help for the many people unable to
meet face to face with a competent Bible-based counselor. For a complete
library of Dr. Dunlap’s articles, indexed by topic, go to Family Counseling Ministries. You
may also make an appointment for personal telephone counseling by clicking on Family Counseling Ministries.
Family Counseling Ministries is a Christianity.com
ministry Partner.
