3 Easy Ways to Start Talking about God at Home…When You Rarely Have Before
"How do I even start talking about God at home?"
This is a question that we are asked a lot, especially by people who did not grow up in the church or have not started the practice of regularly attending church with their families. But guess what? God promises to meet us where we are! He doesn't need us to have a perfect church attendance record, say consistent nightly prayers, or do a morning devotional to speak to us.
Time and time again, Jesus meets his followers where they are first:
Matthew was called in his tax collector booth (Matthew 9:9-13)
Zacchaeus was another tax collector who was in a tree (Luke 19:1-10)
The Samaritan woman was at a well collecting water (John 4:1-42)
So here is the good news: God wants our hearts. He will speak to us as we make ourselves available and the closer you step towards Him, inch by inch, the more you will fall in love with Him. And the same goes for your kids.
So if you have never really talked about God at home, or prayed consistently at home, where do you start? Here are a few suggestions:
Memorize some easy prayers
There is absolutely nothing wrong with reciting memorized prayers, especially as you get started praying as a family. Jesus taught his disciples to pray using the Lord's Prayer and it has been used by Christ followers ever since...it's a great prayer! Try memorizing it as a family:
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
A simple google search will lead you to find many different bedtime or meal time prayers. Pick a favorite and start there. The more often you pray, the more comfortable it will become and eventually you can easily make up your own prayers.
Pray before bed
If you find it hard to pray during the day, start bedtime a few minutes early and pray then. If praying out loud is uncomfortable for you, you may find it easier to pray in the dark, snuggled up with your kids. Try this simple prayer:
"Jesus, thank you for our wonderful day, You are the God of wonder. Help us to sleep well tonight and have a great day tomorrow."
That's it! Start there and add to it as you and your kids desire.
Change your language
We are passionate about incorporating God into everyday moments. We are parents 24/7, not just when we are actively with our kids and in the same way, we are Christians 24/7, not just at church or designated prayer time. We like to tell people to, "change your language," it's the easiest way to start incorporating God into every moment of your day. For example:
Instead of saying, "Look at that beautiful sunset!" say, "Look at how God painted the sky!"
Instead of saying, "I'm grateful for this snack," say, "Thank you God for this snack."
Instead of saying, "We are so lucky to have these toys," say, "God has blessed us with more than we need!"
Instead of saying, "I'm so sorry you got hurt, do you need a hug?" say, "I'm so sorry you got hurt, do you need a hug? Let's pray for it to heal, Jesus please heal this scrape."