Taking Time with the Kids in Family Prayer and Bible Study

Do you have regular time of Bible study or devotion with your children? When I encounter friends with serious discipline issues with their children I have only one question: "Do you ever read the Bible and pray together with your kids?" I can tell the answer before they tell me. I can usually read it in their eyes.
Praying together and reading the Bible together is the best way to find out what is going on with your kids, and the best way for them to know what is going on with you. It promotes harmony, unity and love. There are several excuses for families not spending time together in the Word of God. I would like to address a few:

1. No Time- This is excuse number one, but yet when you really think about it, it really is not an excuse at all. The reality is that we make time for what is important, and if we work at it, we can find all kinds of time at our disposal. We find time for whatever is important to us. We need to see the time together in the word as important to the survival of our marriage and our home. Otherwise, it will never happen. I guarantee it, once you start, you will begin to look forward to it.
2. I don't know how to lead a Bible study - Have you ever been to a Bible study? Then you know how to lead one. If you have not attended one, take the time to attend one and learn how to lead one yourself. You don't need to know profound things. Bible study is a time of joint study and discovery together. Still afraid of leading a Bible study? Then just spend time praying together and for each other. You could also ask your kids to lead a study, that would be great fun.
3. My kids don't want to do it - Excuse me? Who is in charge here? If we don't tell our kids what is good for them then who will tell them? Part of parenting is establishing control and respect. In the long run, your kids will look back at the times you spent together as some of the most precious times together as a family. They will honor you for it in the future.
4. How do I pray? Just pray sentence prayers, close your eyes and talk to God. Begin to pray for each other, your church and your neighbors. It doesn't have to be long at first, but the Lord must be invited to spend time with you in your home.
5. What else can I do? - Sing songs, draw pictures, call grandma and tell her that you are praying for her as a family, act out Bible stories (my kids loved that one), for laughs, imitate people from church and try to guess who they are. The list is unending....

I hope these ideas can spark the creative juices going and get your family back on track with the Holy Spirit. Stay with it, don't give up and watch God make a great change in your family.

God bless you!

Pastor Vince Gonzales