Tips for Engaging your Children in Family Bible Reading

Even if your children already have a lot of homework and after-school activities, reading the Bible as a family is too valuable to neglect. Very little, if anything, in the world involves references to God or His Word. Attending church alone isn’t enough for anyone to walk in close relationship to God, yet it is supposed to be our priority. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” The following are tips for Bible reading that the whole family can enjoy, as a wonderful way to keep God first.

How to Interest Children in Family Bible Reading

God’s Word always bears fruit. Simply reading the Bible with your children is a fantastic habit. The effort will make an ever more valuable impact, however, if you take various steps to create added interest and help your children get involved and stay engaged. Some ideas follow for establishing daily Bible reading time your children will love.

Keep a Routine

Most people live very busy lives. The funny thing is that all of us manage to have time for the things which are most important to us. It’s possible to set a Bible reading time as a family and stick to it a vast majority of the time. Some unavoidable interruptions may occur, but it’s best to ensure that those are kept to a bare minimum. Children typically love routine. One thing that may disrupt this natural tendency is if they have continuous access to various online devices or video games. Once a routine is set and put into practice, any reluctant children should eventually settle in to enjoy the family Bible time.

Explain and Discuss

Children enjoy Bible reading more when they are equipped to understand what is being read. Take time to explain what’s going on in your own words. Ask questions, to determine whether each of the children are able to comprehend the text at least on some level.

Prepare Discussion Questions

Children will be more engaged in the Bible reading if they know they are part of a discussion to follow. Always be prepared with a discussion question for each child, appropriate for their age level. It’s especially beneficial if those discussions accomplish the following:

• Solidify comprehension
• Make a connection with the overall message of the Bible.
• Identify ways to apply the scripture to everyday life.

Include Prayer Time

Bible reading is best when it is accompanied by prayer, since these are the two primary ways to make a relational connection to God. Always begin and end Bible study with prayer. Allow the children to voice their prayer requests, which will also foster compassion and empathy for the difficulties their friends and teachers might be facing.

The best kind of reading is Bible reading. For children, daily reading with the family will have an incredible impact on their lives, both now and in the future. After all, as the word of God says, “So then faith comes by hearing ,and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV) It is also significant that: “Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NET)

1 COMMENTS

Leave a reply