How to Have a Successful Family Time
Family Time.
Two words that are a non-negotiable in our house.
When daddy says, “Family Time!” everyone is required to attend and participate.
For me? I love it!
As a little girl I remember going to a friend’s house and participating in their version of family time.
Her father would sit in a chair and read the Bible, while the kids would sit around his feet and listen.
I honestly don’t even know if I understood what He was saying, but I truly believe that God was taking those words and placing them deep into my heart.
Even now, I can picture what that scene from many years ago looked like.
It made an imprint on my mind and heart.
To be able to share this similar experience with my children is beyond special to me.
However, with 5 kids this bonding moment could easily go from peaceful to chaotic if we didn’t have a system in place.
In order to make this time more effective and orderly, we have instilled a 3 step process to follow.
How to Have a Successful Family Time
Share from the Bible
In our family, we rotate turns for reading a scripture or a story from the Bible.
Everyone who is capable of reading takes a turn being the leader.
They can pick a scripture or story, or if they prefer we will pick one for them.
Last night was my turn.
My reading from my devotional time happened to be the story of Sampson.
Although I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to share with the kids through this story, I trusted that God would somehow show up.
Of course, He did.
This time of sharing not only brings us closer as a family, but it enriches our time in the Word.
When I read the story during my personal Bible time, I didn’t get anything out of it that wasn’t already familiar to me.
However, last night God showed me things I had never seen before!
I was able to share it with my kids and husband and we were all blessed by the message.
Apply the Lesson
The Bible calls us to not just be hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word (James 1:22).
After listening to the message, we talk about the main point of the passage or story.
Once we have the central theme, we ask each child how it applies to them.
As an example, let’s use the scripture above.
We would talk about what it means to not just be a hearer, but a doer of the Word.
Once everyone understands, we would ask the question, “How can you be a doer of the Word?”
It’s truly amazing to hear some of their responses, especially from the younger ones.
Sometimes we tend to discount their abilities and assume they are too young or don’t really have anything to say.
Last night, the most profound answers came from my 8 year old!
Pray & Believe
Once everyone has had a turn speaking and answering the questions, we come together in prayer.
Sometimes we take turns praying by having everyone pray for the person next to them.
On other occasions one person will pray.
Sometimes we ask for prayer requests.
Other times, when we’ve had a good discussion, we will pray for the things that have been drawn out through the message.
Regardless of how it’s done, the key is gathering together in prayer.
When we pray together after studying the Bible as a family, it’s as if we are sealing the Word that has been spoken over each person.
We are believing that it will take root on fertile soil and the enemy will not be able to steal it.
What does family time look like for you?
Do you have a process that you use? I would love for you to share it in the comments!
Family time can be peaceful and planned, or spontaneous and lively, depending on the members involved.
However it’s done, spending time together in the Word is what really counts.
[clickToTweet tweet=”As we bind our hearts together in the Word, we are drawing closer to God and to each other.” quote=”As we bind our hearts together in the Word, we are drawing closer to God and to each other.”]
Let’s Pray!
Thank you, Lord for family time! To be able to gather around and talk about Your Word, is both a privilege and a blessing. Thank you that we live in a country where we are free to share Your Word with our children and with others. We acknowledge what a blessing that is. Enhance our times together as a family. We invite you into those moments, Lord. Draw us closer together and closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
