How to Lead Family Devotions

Family devotions are one of the main ways parents obey God’s call to raise children to know him. Scripture assumes the home is a primary place where God’s words are taught, talked about, and passed on through ordinary life, not only through church programs (Deut. 6:4–9; Ps. 78:5–7). Parents are commanded to bring children up in the Lord’s training and instruction, with patience and care, not harshness or shame (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). This is not about performing spirituality. It is about steady exposure to God’s Word, prayer, and simple worship so your children learn who God is, what he has done in Christ, and what it means to follow him.

What the Bible Says Parents Are Responsible For

  • Teach God’s Word as a normal part of life. Deuteronomy describes God’s commands being spoken at home, on the road, at bedtime, and in the morning (Deut. 6:6–7).

  • Bring children up in the Lord’s instruction. Paul puts real responsibility on parents, especially fathers, to lead without provoking or discouraging their children (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).

  • Shape a home where Christ’s word is normal. “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you” includes teaching and singing that puts truth into the heart (Col. 3:16).

  • Start early and keep going. Timothy learned Scripture from childhood (2 Tim. 3:15), which means parents do not need to wait until kids are “old enough.”

First Things First (especially if you have never done this)

  • Start small and stay consistent. It is better to do 5 minutes most days than 30 minutes once a week.

  • Aim for peace, not pressure. If a night is chaotic, do a shorter version. If you miss a day, restart the next day.

  • Keep it simple. Read, ask a few questions, pray. Singing is a bonus.

  • Pick a time that is already predictable. Dinner, right after dinner, or bedtime usually works best.

A lot of families find a short, repeatable pattern is what makes family worship sustainable. Crossway+1

A Simple Plan That Works (5 to 15 minutes)

1. Start With Prayer (15–30 seconds)

  • “Father, help us understand your Word and trust Jesus. Help us obey.”

2. Word (2–6 minutes)

  • Read a page or a short section of the New Testament.

  • A good long-term goal is to read through the New Testament in a year by reading a small portion most days.

3. Discussion (2–6 minutes)

Use 2–3 questions, not all of them every time:

  • What did you learn about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)?

  • What did you learn about people (sin, need, purpose, weakness)?

  • What did you learn about life with God (faith, obedience, prayer, love)?

  • What is one thing we should believe, thank God for, or obey?

4. Prayer (1–4 minutes)

  • One sentence each is fine, especially with kids.

  • Include: thanks, help, and one person to pray for.

5. Singing (optional, 1–3 minutes)

  • One short song, one verse of a hymn, or a simple worship song.

  • Consider buying multiple copies of The Sing! Hymnal for your family and your church gatherings.

Age-Specific Guidance

Ages 2–5

  • Keep it 3–7 minutes.

  • Read 1–5 verses or a children’s Bible summary, then one simple truth.

  • Ask: “Who is God?” “What did Jesus do?” “What should we do?”

  • Prayer: have them repeat a short prayer after you.

Ages 6–10

  • Keep it 7–12 minutes.

  • Read a short NT paragraph.

  • Ask 2–3 questions: God, people, obedience.

  • Assign one child to “retell the story” in their own words.

Ages 11–14

  • Keep it 10–15 minutes.

  • Read a longer paragraph.

  • Ask: “What is the main point?” “What would change if we believed this?”

  • Let them ask their own question, even if it is messy.

Ages 15+

  • Keep it 10–20 minutes, but stay structured.

  • Read a passage, ask for observations, then close with one clear takeaway and prayer.

  • Invite honest doubts, and do not panic. Keep returning to Scripture.

A Few Tips That Prevent Common Failure Points

  • Do not turn it into a lecture. Parents lead, but kids participate.

  • Do not make it a punishment. If discipline is needed, handle it, then do devotions calmly later.

  • Do not over-correct every answer. Guide gently and keep moving.

  • Do not chase the perfect moment. Choose a time and protect it.

Short, consistent reading out loud is also one of the most effective ways to build attention, listening, and language habits in children, which supports your devotions over time.

A Starter New Testament Reading Plan

Pick one:

  • Option A: One short paragraph per day (most consistent)

  • Option B: One page per day (fast but simple)

  • Option C: Three days per week (if you are truly starting from zero)

If you want a specific plan: start with Mark, then Acts, then Ephesians, then 1 John, then go back and read Matthew.