Why do a daily family devotional?
A family devotional has become a staple in our nights together. The kids get ready for bed, and the final step in the evening routine is gathering for a time of reading and praying. We think it’s an important practice to start when kids are young, as it sets up that daily habit of Bible reading that is so important as we grow in the faith! During this time, our kids have grown to understand that you can ask questions and dig deeper in the Bible. It’s okay to not have all the answers!
Looking for a book to read with your child(ren)?
Check out my list below! These are all books that we’ve read through at least once with our three kiddos.
For toddlers
Check out First Virtues: 12 Stories for Toddlers by Dr. Mary Manz Simon. This is a sweet board book for your younger children. It features twelve stories derived from twelve different Biblical concepts (scripture references included at the conclusion of each story). Each story tells how a different cartoon animal character exhibits that virtue, such as joy, manners, patience, and forgiveness. It’s full of sweet illustrations and fun-to-read rhymes.
For kids interested in science
A great choice for science-minded kids is Indescribable: 100 Devotions about God and Science by Louie Giglio. Each devotion explores God’s creativity. Topics like animals, earth, geology, and space are explored. This book includes both illustrations and photographs to help kids learn more about our world and its Creator. The 100 entries each start with scripture, an explanation of a scientific phenomenon, and a relatable tie-in to God’s Word. At last, it ends with a short prayer that your kids can pray together. If you enjoy this book, also check out How Great is our God: 100 Indescribable Devotions about God and Science by Louie Giglio!
For families that want an overview of the whole Bible
First in the list is The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung. We’ve read through this book once in its entirety. We’ve occasionally gone back to revisit parts of it, such as for Easter or Christmas readings. It presents the Bible as one continuous story, with Jesus woven throughout it. The book gives small informational introductions between the 7 parts of the storybook: The Pentateuch, History, Poetry, the Prophets, the Gospels, Acts and Epistles, and Revelation. This book reminds us of the hope we have in the Snake Crusher from the beginning of creation to the end of Revelation.
Next up is The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones, our most-read devotional book! My kids know it as “the one with the cool pictures.” The tagline reads “Every story whispers his name,” and that’s the gist of the whole book. Much like The Biggest Bible Storybook, it shows how Jesus is present and working throughout the entirety of the Bible.
Likewise, if you’re a fan of Sally Lloyd Jones’ storybook Bible, also check out Found and Loved: A Picture Book Set. These picture books feature the same beautiful illustrative style of the artist Jago. They are a take on the 23rd Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer. They’re more picture books than devotionals, and are a personal favorite of mine!
For slightly older kids
We are currently reading through Moments with God for Kids (from Our Daily Bread). Each of the 100 short devotions in this book seek to answer a question posed at the top of the page. We read a scripture verse or verses, then dive in to the answer to the question. The books answers common questions about faith in a way that children will understand. Following that are a couple extra questions for your family to consider together. Not only is this book great for kids, but I’ve also gleaned new understanding of God and His Word from it! Even though our youngest is four years old, he can still follow along and answer simple questions from the reading.
How do you implement a family devotional time?
The best thing to do is just start! Pick a book from this list or ask another trusted pastor, teacher, or leader for recommendations. Set aside a time every day when it works for your family. We choose to be gather in one of the bedrooms, some in bed, some on the floor, every night to read and pray together. Is every night a productive time of reading and learning and praying together? In a word – no. Ha! Is that okay? Absolutely! The dog knocks over a LEGO creation when he’s trying to sit on the floor next to me. Someone sneezes and it sounds funny and we dissolve in to a fit of giggles. You name it, it’s probably happened during our devotion time. And that’s okay. What’s important is setting that example for your kids to build the habit of reading God’s Word and praying daily!
