Family Devotions

Proverbs 22:6 – Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (NIV)

"Aw! Do I have to? I'm playing a game right now." Unfortunately, when I was a child, all too often this was my response to my parents' call reminding me that it was time for family devotions. These gathering times always seemed to come when I was in the middle of doing homework, planning to go somewhere, or waiting for a friend to call. Even though I grew up at a time when computers and video games were unheard of and most TVs were black and white, the temptation was to put my own plans ahead of taking time to meditate on the lessons God wanted me to learn from the Bible. However, my parents felt it was their responsibility to make certain I took time to learn of God's love.

This morning, if I were to visit my parents' home, most likely my mom and dad would be sitting in their big comfy chairs in the living room. The sun might be shining through the lace curtains of the bay window, its rays highlighting their silver hair, and together, they would be taking turns reading a passage from their well-worn Bibles. When they were finished reading, my dad would take out a paper that he keeps tucked in the centre of his Bible, containing a list of people to pray for that day, and I know my name would be on their list.

Not only would they be praying, but also in my home, several miles away, I will be praying for them and for my own children and grandchildren, because many years ago, they taught me how important it is to put my plans aside until I have taken time to meditate on a passage of Scripture and talk to God before I begin my day.

As Christian leaders in our homes, we are reminded that we have a responsibility to share our faith with our children, so that when they leave the influence of our homes, they will have formed a habit — that of taking time daily to talk to God in prayer and meditating on His Word.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to teach our children to reflect on Your Word and take time to pray every day. Amen.

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