As parents, we have a major influence on our children’s habits. Depending on our kids’ ages, we can easily help them form good spiritual habits or at least encourage them through being an example to follow.
Before my kids were able to read, I would read Bible stories to them at least once a week. When they were older, we would give them age-appropriate Bibles. In their school age years, they would see me reading my Bible in the living room or dining table. Every now and then, we would ask what book of the Bible they were reading or how their Bible reading was going. It was expected but not enforced that they read their Bible regularly.
As a family, we would attend church services and activities together. Thanks to volunteers, there would be a separate activity for children, so they had their own worship time (Thanks Elisa!) and lessons. We also signed them up for a weekly Christ-centered scripture memory club that they continued throughout their school years.
Every night when our kids were little, we had a bedtime routine. If Scott brought them to bed, he would tell them a story and then say prayers. When I took them to bed, I would make sure they brushed their teeth, got into their pajamas, said prayers and then I would sing a simple bedtime song. When the kids got older, we would all take turns praying before meals and before long road trips. When friends or family needed prayers, we would tell the kids to pray for them, too.
Starting habits of reading the Bible, meeting with other believers, and praying are easier if we start them when we are very young. Our hope is that our children continue those habit.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for letting us raise Your children. They are a wonderful blessing. Help us to teach them to love and serve You. May we always remember that You love them more than we do.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go and when he’s old he will not turn from it
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These words I am commanding you today, you must teach them to your children. Speak of them as you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up
Hebrews 10:25 Do not give up meeting together
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer
Song
“This Little Light Of Mine” by Harry Dixon Loes was just one of the many songs sung during the children’s worship on Sundays.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then pick a habit that you would like your kids to follow along with you. Let us know what you decided on.