New Year, Ancient Habits: Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to Families

“It’s time for a new routine!”

“Start your family off this new year with a new habit!”

“New year, new you!”

“Be the best mom you can be!”

Messages like these ones bombard us at the start of a new year.

Even in Christian circles, everyone is talking about #goals and ways to do more, serve more, start new devotional routines and habits, and be at your best.

It can be encouraging and motivating – but real talk – it can also be exhausting.

When I talk to parents, I know it can be exhausting for them too. Trying to come up with new habits and routines to make following Jesus come alive for their kids can feel like a full-time job.

There is always another devotional, another method, another app, another way.

I love new things – new tools and resources are my jam! – but I also know, that when it comes to discipleship, one of the best tools we have are habits that have existed for thousands of years.

These tools are the “spiritual disciplines” – and they are nothing new or exciting – but they are certainly effective.

Here’s what John Mark Comer has to say about these disciplines in his book, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”:

“Whatever you call them, these habits, practices or spiritual disciplines, are how we feel Jesus. How we adopt His lifestyle. How we create space for emotional health & spiritual life… Like all habits, they are a means to an end… The end is life to the full with Jesus.

Spiritual disciplines are meant to help us live life to the full with Jesus.

Don’t you love that?

Isn’t that what you want – what I want – what the families we serve want?

And we already have the tools we need to do it!

Over the month of January, we will be talking about ways that you can incorporate these “ancient habits” into your life this new year – and how you can introduce them to the families that you serve.

I am a firm believer that spiritual disciplines can be introduced to young children and practiced in families – in age-appropriate, but beautiful and meaningful ways.

These ancient habits are exactly what we need to live out the new, abundant life Jesus has promised.

If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few to get you started:

• Bible Reading is one of the most recognized and regular spiritual practices. Here is a free inductive Bible Study guide you can use, or share with your families!
  
• Prayer is another habit that can be challenging, and a great place to start is the Lord’s Prayer. Check out this free Lord’s Prayer poster to share with your families, or, this curriculum on praying & the Lord’s Prayer.
  
• Fasting isn’t a practice we normally talk about with families, but it can be revolutionary, when practiced wisely! This guide is a great way to introduce it – it was designe dfor Lent but can be customized to be used any time.

What spiritual discipline are you most interested in?

Which one do you think matters most to kids?

Let us know, and stay tuned as we dive into more on these disciplines!