Photo by Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Deuteronomy 6:7-8 says, “You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” God uses families to help us grow in our understanding of Him and live out our vocations. While every family may look different, households of faith can help cultivate and model faith.
Engaged parents prioritize faith development by encouraging daily faith practices for the whole family. Today’s busy families are constantly forced to make difficult decisions to prioritize their schedule resources. By teaching Christ-centered priorities in the home, families can learn together how to set priorities during all of life transitions.
Family are there to help and guide children as they learn about and explore their faith. Families are places that offer warmth, challenge, and grace as they pray, read the Bible, and discuss how faith impacts life. These practices benefit everyone in the family as they shine the light of Christ throughout their day.
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The Family Altar
God comes to us through His Word and Sacraments during worship at church, and then the family’s devotional life at home keeps its members connected to those gifts all week long. This routine creates a lifelong rhythm that helps keep kids in the faith throughout all stages of their lives.
How to do Family Devotions
Pastor Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the LCMS International Center, shares how to do family devotions at home. It’s a habit that is hard to form, and even easier to fall out of. But if we can improve our devotional life in times of necessity like this, we will be blessed far greater in our daily devotional life, even in times of plenty.
Parent Resource on YouthESource
YouthESource is the resource page of LCMS Youth Ministry and offers resources for parents and guardians with teens.
The Family Altar: Brief Daily Devotions
Each devotion starts with a Scripture reading before author F. W. Herzberger guides you through a short one-page devotional for any moment of your day. A brief prayer is included at the end to recite as you re-center yourself for the day.
Little Visits at Bedtime
Little Visits at Bedtime helps your child make a smooth transition from a busy day to bedtime. It helps you and your child focus your thoughts and conversations on the blessings of your day and God’s gifts to you. Every element on every page has a very specific purpose and intent.