Religious Family Activities

With homework, extracurricular activities and busy social calendars, it can be difficult to make time for Christ-centered family activities. By building time into your family's regular schedule for simple religious activities, such as praying, attending worship, and reading and memorizing Scripture, you will grow together in your relationships with Christ and each other.

  1. Go to Church Together

    • When you attend worship services together as a family, you and your children have the opportunity to fellowship with other believers. This isn't just a way to enjoy time with your family, but has actual proven benefits. According to a 2011 report by the National Survey of Children's Health, children who attend church on a weekly basis have more positive social development than their peers who attend less frequently or never attend. The Marriage and Religion Research Institute also reports that children who attend church regularly also do better in school, are more likely to be involved in charity work and are less likely to engage in destructive behavior.

    Pray Together

    • Spend time each day praying as a family. Model prayer for your child by letting him hear you encourage others when you reassure them that you are praying for them, and by allowing him to catch you praying silently and out loud. Pray together before meals, and keep a family prayer journal where you can take prayer requests from each family member before joining in a family prayer together. Take turns praying through requests whenever possible.

    Read the Bible Together

    • Spend time as a family reading Scripture together in your home. Set aside a specific time each day for your family devotionals. Use age-appropriate Bible story books, print brief devotionals from online resources, or simply work your way through the psalms or gospel accounts in the Bible. Leave time for open discussion about what you are reading, and be sure to give children the freedom to express thoughts and ask questions.

    Memorize Scripture Together

    • Cornerstones for Parents suggests that families spend time memorizing Bible verses together. When children are young, start with short and simple Bible verses and gradually work up to longer, more intricate passages as they grow. Assign a verse of the week each week and write it on an index card to review at dinner or as you tuck your child in at night. Hold each other accountable by offering prizes, such as an ice cream dessert following Sunday night dinner, for everyone who has his verse memorized.

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