Our goal as parents is to train our children in the ways of the Lord and to see our children own a personal, ongoing, life-changing relationship with God. We go to great lengths, but all our striving may not break through and put a child’s hand in God’s. Knowing Him and His Ways through the Word is very important, and it is by the moving of His Holy Spirit and earnest prayer that God breaks the barriers that exist. As we also teach them the priority of intimate worship and honest prayer, God moves within their hearts.
During the Christmas season, kids may be drawn to singing His praises. They may even offer up prayers of thanksgiving. Yet prayers of confession are often absent. Softened hearts come through times of confession as their need for Him becomes evident. This devotional emphasizes those three steps of prayer: praise, confession, and thanksgiving. As we train our children, we must rely on God to move on their behalf. If it’s our attitude that we will gain God’s approval through our efforts, we risk religiosity. Our goal is to humbly teach our children to “draw near to the Lord” (James 4:8). All this begins with us modeling it for them.
If you want to use it with your children or children you love, this devotional begins today and concludes at the end of the month. Some suggestions:
1. Make this doable. Try to commit to a family devotional time, perhaps three times per ten days. Decide on a practical time. Avoid setting yourself up for failure. Adjust it as necessary so they enjoy the time- but also expect some “pushback”. Remember, it’s about the relationship not the accomplishment. Guard against any discouragement if it doesn’t go as well as you wish, and be sure to guard against pride if it does.
2. Keep this devotional on the dinner table. Explain to your kids why the book is there. Someone is bound to remember.
3. Model praying for your kids. It will be easier for them if they follow your lead. Praise and confession may be vague terms for younger ones. Explain the words. Start simply: “Lord, I praise you for being the God who loves us”, or “I confess I was mean to my sister today. Forgive me for hurting her feelings”.
4. Be honest with your family what you are praying for including your own sin and weakness. It models prayer to them as well as keeps you accountable.
5. Try a family worship time. Child friendly songs don’t need to be childlike, they just need easy to understand lyrics. Train your child to express love to God and not just sing songs about Him. Remember, it is about them growing in a real relationship with Our Creator in addition to the importance of understanding theology. After your worship time, explain phrases they may not understand, i.e. what does “Awesome God” mean?
6. If you have older children, allow them to share the responsibility of reading the verses. Leading them to Him is the goal.
7. As they grow in praise, confession, and thanksgiving, expect them to get excited about their relationship with our Living God. This overflow from their heart will lead then to share Him with others.
December 1 – 10
Time of Praise
Read Psalm 63:1-8 together.
How do we earnestly seek God?
How does God satisfy us?
What does it mean to say God’s right hand upholds me?
Lead the children to pray. An example of their praise might be, “Father, you keep our family safe. I praise you for being a strong God.” Encourage them to pray from their hearts rather than what they think might please you.
Time of Confession
Read James 5:16 together.
What is the action James is calling for?
What does confession mean?
Can confession be done with only our mouths and not our heart? Why?
Lead the children to pray. An example of confession night be, “Lord, I spoke in a rude way to my mother today. I’m sorry for being disrespectful. Help me to be kind.” Be sure they will clearly say in statement form what they did wrong. This will teach them to be responsible for their own mistakes and point them to their need for Jesus. Encourage your children to pray for you and other members of the family who are doing this devotional time together. Think of it as a small group gathering!
Time of Thanksgiving
Read Colossians 3:15-17 together.
How can we keep a thankful attitude?
Do you feel closer to God when you are grateful or when you are grumpy?
Name three things you are thankful for in your life.
Lead children to pray. An example of their thanksgiving may be, “Father, thank you for a Mom and Dad who love me.” Again, encourage them to speak what’s on their hearts rather than words that we long to hear.
Come back on December 11 for the following week's devotional and again on the 21st for the final week.
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