Family Devotions for Young Children

A few weeks ago, at a meeting with the small group leaders he serves, my husband Brian interviewed Tony Reinke and his wife Karalee about their family devotions.

Tony shared three “big picture” goals and some very helpful practical ideas as well. I was inspired by this couple’s passion to train their children in the gospel and excited to try some of their practices. And I immediately thought of how much you all would love to hear this as well.

So listen to this two-minute clip and get ready to start tonight!

(P.S. Thanks to Dave Wilcox at CLC for his efforts to get us this clip, in spite of a computer crash.)

FAMILY DEVOTIONS with Tony & Karalee Reinke

(Brian's notes from Tony's comments)

1. Remind your kids of the Gospel. Ways to do this:
a) Reading the Jesus Storybook bible helps them to anticipate and/or encounter Christ in each section of Scripture
b) Sing The Gospel Song
c) Read from the Gospels.
 
Doing this has helped their children go to bed thinking of their need for a Savior and God's gracious provision.
 
2. Teach them the storyline of the Bible
Although it's 66 books, the bible provides one clear and coherent storyline.  Children's bibles like the Jesus Storybook Bible and The Big Picture Story Bible do a great job reinforcing this.
 
3. Teach them to cultivate gratefulness.
End the evening giving thanks to God and praying those who have less or who are suffering.