Spiritual disciplines for children
June 2022 (Tidings magazine) - At what age should I start introducing my children to spiritual disciplines? Whatever age they are now!
The earlier you start, the more integrated spiritual disciplines will be in your family rhythms, yet even if your children are in high school, there is something powerful about showing your children you are still growing and learning in Jesus and want them to join you.
Summer often offers us a change in rhythm. Even if it is still full of activity, there tend to be open pockets of time and an interest in trying new things. Why not try one or more of these unconventional and fun ideas:
Prayer walk/ride/hike
Take a walk around your neighborhood and pray for each house as you go. You can also do this around town while you drive, praying for people, schools, hospitals, business etc. as you pass them. Or, go explore nature and intentionally thank God for the different plants, animals, and natural wonders He created.
Bible reading
Pick a book of the Bible and read a bit of it each day at a set time – at breakfast, in the camp drop offline, over popsicles in the afternoon or while looking at the stars each night. Whatever works well for your family. If you miss a day, just pick up the next day.
Write down questions that came up while you are reading. Discuss them as a family and/or call a pastor and set a time to come to the church or invite them over to your house to discuss your questions and share what your family learned from your Bible reading.
Family fast
Pick one thing as a family to fast for the week (desserts, a show or favorite food, etc.) Also pick one thing you will pray for each time you want it. At the end of the week, talk about the experience and then enjoy the fasted item together.
Serve each other
Draw names at breakfast and look for one intentional way to service this family member by dinner. Help with a chore you are not usually responsible for, help a sibling or choose to play what they want to even if it is not your favorite.
When practicing spiritual disciplines with the whole family, there will often be resistance or distractions, but the important thing is to jump in, have grace with each other and keep pursuing Jesus! He would much rather we seek him regularly in the midst of our messy lives than trying to live up to an idealistic expectation.
Keep any eye on the First Church Kids and Youth social media accounts for more fun ways to abide in Jesus as a family!
About the author:
Laurel Baird is wife, mother and elder at First Church who is passionate about discipleship and learning alongside her two to five year old friends.