Family Devotions

I have a 14 month old now and another one in the oven. As I watch my daughter get older and start to pick up on my habits and already the words that I say, I have been struck with the awesome responsibility to lead our family in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

At a parenting class at our church a couple of years ago, one of the men (who I greatly respect), was speaking in the class. The subject of family devotions was brought up. He responded, "you need to do away with family devotions." Everyone laughed. He smiles and says, "Now that I've got your attention, do away with family devotions." He went on to explain what he meant. Leading your family is much more than reading your Psalm for the day, mom playing 3 verses of Amazing Grace on the piano and saying a somewhat rehearsed prayer in the morning before school. I agree.

Since then, I've asked lots of godly men what their practices are in regard to family devotions. I've had just about every answer from nothing formal at all to a very structured regular time. I would be curious if any of you have practices that you have found effective in leading your family?