How to Have a Family Bible Time
Published:
October 5, 2020
Contributor:
Abby Banks
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We haven’t always been consistent with family Bible time over the years (and my husband is a pastor!). But we know that persevering through and making a habit of having family Bible time will bring great spiritual value to our kids. They will be grounded in the faith and ready to raise their own families. Here are some tips to help you get started and a list of our favorite resources for family Bible time.
Why is Family Bible Time Important?
Some of us may include Bible class in our homeschool schedule. But this can have its downfalls if our kids think of it as just one of their content classes and nothing more.
Crossword puzzles? Worksheets about the Bible without actually reading the Bible? Just memorizing the facts without applying it to real life?
There must be a better way!
And we know that there is. Deuteronomy 6 tells us to “teach them (God’s words) diligently to your children” when you walk, lie down, and rise. Basically, all the time. In other words, instruct your children in the faith by naturally discussing spiritual things throughout your normal life and normal routines of the day.
Tips for Family Bible Time
I know for many of us, the thought of having a consistent family Bible time can be intimidating. Maybe you didn’t see it modeled in your home when you were growing up. But it’s never too late to start with your own children!
Maybe you’re also scared about doing it wrong. Or feeling like a hypocrite because you’ve not always prioritized this with your kids.
But you don’t have to feel inadequate and having a regular family Bible time doesn’t need to be complicated! In fact, in its simplest form, just reading Scripture with your kids and praying together is all you need to do.
Here are some tips:
- The earlier you start the better (when the kids are young)
- But, it’s never too late to start!
- It’s okay if it’s not perfect.
- Expect that it won’t be perfect, because some days will be downright awful.
- Pick a time that works for your family.
- Have your plan ready, but keep it simple.
Resources for Family Bible Time
With young children, it’s always wonderful to read through books that tell the Bible stories so our kids get a foundation and can understand the storyline of the Bible.
Check out these amazing resources from Amazon. We’ve used all of them and highly recommend.
For older kids it’s wonderful to read through passages together and discuss them. Here’s the Scripture reading plan that we’re using right now with our second grader up through high schoolers. It has a daily plan that includes an Old Testament passage, New Testament passage, and Psalm that are thematically related. You could simply read through the passages together and discuss the main ideas that connect them.
If you’d like a little more structure as you deep dive into whole books of the Bible at a time, then definitely check out homeschool-friendly Inductive Bible Study Courses. Your kids can use them independently or they can help your family study through an entire book of the Bible, one paragraph at a time.
- Psalm 1 Little Fishes Bible Study (grades K-4)
- Psalm 1 Self Study Workbook (grades 5-12)
- James Little Fishes Bible Study (grades K-4)
- James Self Study Workbook (grades 5-12)
- James Video Lessons (grades 5-12)
- James Family Bundle (grades K-12)
So if you already have a family Bible time in your home, then keep it up! And if you want to start, there’s no better time than today. Start small and you’ll be amazed at the growth that comes from consistent small investments over time.
Check Out These Related Posts About Bible Study
Family Bible Study Through James
How to Help Your Kids & Teens Study Scripture + FREE Inductive Bible Study Template
How to Use Narration in Bible Study
4 Common Bible Study Mistakes to Avoid + FREE Bible Study Guide