When we think about kids, families, and introducing spiritual disciplines, it all seems challenging enough.
While the goal of this series has been to introduce simpler ways to incorporate those disciplines, it can still seem an insurmountable challenge.
So how do we do it?
How do we make it work when disciplines are a struggle?
There are no easy answers, but here are a few “tricks of the trade.”
Think of disciplines as “practicing.”
One of the most powerful truths about the spiritual disciplines is that they require practicing. 1 Timothy 4 says this:
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
If you’ve ever trained for anything, you’ll know it takes a lot of practice.
Instead of viewing disciplines as something you need to “perfect” or “conquer”, look at them as a way to practice getting closer to Jesus!
Practicing can go really well sometimes, and not so good at others.
And that’s okay.
This simple shift in mindset can make a huge difference to the pressure we put on ourselves to “succeed” in the spiritual disciplines, and make them more enjoyable for families.
Introduce disciplines on special occasions!
One of the most meaningful ways to introduce disciplines is to do it on special occasions. When we make disciplines a part of something “unusual”, they tend to stand out and stick to us a little more.
As Lent approaches, it’s a great opportunity to introduce a spiritual discipline that isn’t normally part of your family’s routine.
While fasting is a traditional part of Lent, it can also be a great time to introduce more intentional prayer & Bible reading too – as we talk about it in this Fast & Feast Guide.
You can also introduce disciplines on less “spiritual” occasions too. Consider focusing on showing God love through prayer on Valentine’s Day (like in this fun Love Notes to God guide) or by incorporating a special time of worship on Thanksgiving or birthdays!
Use a variety of methods!
Sometimes when we think about spiritual disciplines, we think they must always follow the same format.
15 minutes of Bible reading, followed by a few minutes of prayer.
Worship time with singing & hands raised!
And when these things don’t “work” with our families – when they get bored, or things turn chaotic – it can feel like we’re failing.
That’s why changing things up – introducing different forms of the disciplines – can have a huge impact on our families!
Here are some great ways to change things up:
- Use different forms of prayer in the life of your home! We talk about some of them in our post here, and provide families a chance to try them out in our new Love Notes to God resource!
- Move away from a simple “Bible study” to working conversation about the Bible into everyday life, like with our Let’s Talk About It! Guide.
- Incorporate different methods of Bible reading, like journalling, listening to the Bible on audiobook, or drawing and doodling as you read!
- Consider fasting things except food – give up things like TV or social media as a family!
- Incorporate meditation into your family’s routine through apps like the Abide Podcast for Kids!
Practicing the spiritual disciplines can be filled with challenges – that is of course, why they’re called disciplines.
That doesn’t mean though, we should give up when the going gets tough!
As we work together, there are many ways to incorporate them into our lives – and see our relationship with Jesus come alive!