One of my favorite childhood memories was the summer I learned 1 John 4:7-21.
There were 1000s of teens all gathered under a giant white tent on Panama City Beach to learn more about Christ. Each night before the speaker would preach, there was a series of skits. This particular year involved Bob, a broom dressed up as a person, and a few of the worship leaders. The skits were insanely crazy each night, with some involving Bob chasing one of the girl leaders around trying to get a hug.
I’ll be the first to admit that often we focus on entertaining people so much that we lose the value of what we came to share with them. But this was not the case with Bob. The leaders used the silly skits to drive home the principles they were teaching us from 1 John 4 about what it really looks like to selflessly love others in Christ.
And it changed me forever.
Over the course of my 18 years before college, there were countless sermons, special speakers, camps, and lessons. But the one I recall most is the silly little Bob skit that inspired all six girls staying with my counselor to memorize 1 John 4:7-21 and commit to loving others God’s way.
What does this have to do with kids devotions, you ask? Everything. Parents often tell me that family devotion time is a lost cause at their house. They tell me the kids won’t listen, sit still, or they simply refuse to attend.
But then when I dig into what families are doing, I find it’s largely because we are squashing the spirit and imagination of our kids. We are insisting that they sit straight and tall, sometimes even going as far as slapping their wrists if we think they have lost focus.
We have been trained to think that children are only listening to us if they are sitting straight and tall, looking us in the face. BUT – it’s not true. In fact, I’d argue that often kids who appear to be engaged are quite the opposite. Their minds are wandering and their hearts are eager for adventure.
Often, kids don’t like family devotions because they learn best through imagination, adventure, and exploration, all things we avoid when it comes to “spiritual matters.”
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think we need smoke and lights along with an iPad game in order to help our kids love God’s Word. All I’m saying is… we need to RELAX a little. Let’s roll up our sleeves and laugh. Let’s ENJOY our time together as a family.
The good news is, God’s Word is FULL of imagination, adventure, and exploration. It’s not stuffy, boring, or irrelevant… unless WE make it that way. If we are willing to think outside the box, our kids will learn so much more about God’s Word. More important than that, they will learn to develop an authentic faith that inspires and drives them to want more of HIM!
Creative and Fun Kids Devotions For The Whole Family
Having a good time and obeying God is not an oxymoron! We can talk about our faith and even pray to God while laughing, singing, and even acting out a story. These are often the things kids remember years later even if they can’t remember a specific verse.
Use the ideas below to engage your kids with the Word. Then ask application questions, which will bring the conversation to a heart-changing level.
On Stage
This is one of our favorites for the little people, but I find even the teens enjoy it. As you read the Scripture passage or devotional book, act it out. Have your kids get up and physically display the story or a part of the story. Role play what the characters did and/or what they should have done instead. Sometimes I use silly voices instead of acting it out physically. Both are super fun.
Pass it On
If all of your kids can read pretty well (usually ages 8 and up), this will be a great fit. Hand the book or Bible to the first person and have each member read a portion. We usually do one paragraph. Then they pass it on for the next person to read. I really prefer to read out of the same book or Bible for this, but you can each have your own if you wish.
What Do You Say?
This is another passing activity, but it involves words. I love playing it with teens (12 and up) the best because they can relate to the concept better than younger kids. They also are more willing to write. You can do this two ways. First, on a piece of paper, start retelling the passage or story. After you write one phrase or sentence, pass it to the next person (kind of like a chain letter). You can also answer questions or create lists of practical examples this way. One huge advantage of doing this is everyone has to stay engaged instead of relying on the other person to answer.
Family Mix-A-Roo
If you have a large family or a wide gap of ages, this is a great way to engage all of the kids. Instead of going with a middle level devotional, consider reading from a variety of levels, switching up the levels each day. Involve your teens with younger devotion days by having THEM lead it. (This is an awesome way to develop leadership skills.) On older devotion days, try having the littles act out the reading or say key phrases in funny voices.
Picture This
Our family loves this activity. As you read the chapter, story, or lesson, have one child be your scribe. We hang up giant sticky note paper and take turns drawing what is going on in the passage. Kids have to pay close attention because they never know when they will be handed the pen and will need to take over in creating the picture. Drawing is especially meaningful as it makes God’s Word more concrete to children.
Musical Chairs
Another thing you can do with this is have each family member switch chairs after reading a paragraph, like musical chairs. This keeps everyone moving, but also listening to see when it will be time to switch. I also let the person who answers a question choose where they would like to sit next. (In our house, that’s always the lounge chair in the corner.) Once they answer the question, they can go to that spot and the person sitting there has to switch with them. Obviously, this is really good if you have young kids (especially boys) who need a lot of movement to stay engaged.
Outside the Box
On days when I’m rushed or perhaps even tired, this is my go-to because, well, it’s super easy. Instead of having devotions at the table, think outside the box. Have them UNDER the table, in a fort, or on the front porch. Have them on a blanket under the stars, in the backyard, or if you are in a super rush… perhaps have a child read while you are driving.
The Board Meeting
This may sound super boring, but kids LOVE to imagine they are living an adult life. So capitalize on that. Have a “board meeting” where each member reads the devotion before coming to the meeting. Once you get to the meeting, talk about key points, what connections they made, and ask application questions. You can even have someone take notes on the key points using your giant sticky note paper. Be sure you act very OFFICIAL, calling everyone by Mr. and Mrs. They will love it.
Which kids devotionals should I use?
There are so many amazing devotional resources that families often ask for a few recommendations. I personally want to use as much of God’s Word as possible. We do use other books, but only as a supplement to God’s Word. When looking for resources, I look for strong content with clear Scripture references. Bonus points if I’m required to get the Bible out to get the most from the devotion.
If you love the idea of a devotional book to help, check out these favorites by Tyndale Publishers. There is something for every age level, gender, and even some interests.
For kids under 7
The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers is simple, engaging, and full of color. I especially love the short and practical prayers.
Hands-on Bible 365 is chock-full of ready-made ideas for hands-on devotions using engaging activities and items you already have at home.
For kids 8-12
The One Year Between You and God comes in a soft teal leather-like binding, making it perfect for young girls 8-12. I also really like the page layouts in this one as it features questions kids have, application points, and Scripture.
For Girl’s Only wins my heart with its self-evaluations and practical application checklists. They are simple and age-appropriate, making them an excellent way to go deeper in God’s Word.
The One Year Devotions for Boys focuses on character building principles. Each day the boys are given a Scripture passage to read, then a story to help them apply the principle. The design is boy-friendly, but not too childish, making it an excellent fit for this age group.
For kids 12 and up
The One Year Book of Josh McDowell’s Youth Devotions is a daily adventure in making right choices. This devotional features a daily Scripture reading plus a “reflect, act, and pray” section focusing on helping teens to really THINK about their faith.
Your turn—>
What’s your favorite devotional? Do you have a favorite way to do family devotions? Share them with us!
Ali Boyles says
I don’t have a favourite way or doing a devotional, normally I just read verses that have spoken to me and we chat about how it can apply to our family.
Jennifer says
Marty Machowski is my favorite writer of family devotionals. Right now we’re working through “Long Story Short,” which focuses on the Old Testament.
Christie says
I like to read “Jesus Calling” with my daughter in our morning devotionals before we start school.
Crystal Parenteau says
Such great ideas! I teach JR church with a variety of ages and look forward to trying some of this.
KATIE BIRD says
My girls love reading how hymns came about and the people and circumstances behind them. My son loves to read through Psalms.
Rachel says
I LOVE The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers. I used it for many years with my older kids but passed it on to my sister a few years ago and now that my baby just turned 1, I will be buying another copy for sure!
Any suggestions for gender-neutral devotions for ages 6 – 11, since I’ve got both and am looking for a devotion book we can do together?
Wendy Lujan says
This is the area were are working on right now…I want my kids to want to read the word of God and we are really trying to make it a daily, but not torturous part of our day as a family!
Kari says
We are currently going through Marty Machowski’s “Long Story Short.” The plan is to move on to “Old Story New” next. I like how they are built in small chunks and allow you to time (and means for those who might need them) to talk about how God is at work in that moment.
Jo Ann Dillon says
My devotional is my bible. I read a chapter a day, I just open it up and where God opens it to I read I love Jesus so much for he saved my life. I have a strong need to spread his word and this would surely help me if I won. Thank you. I love your stuff. So inspirational.
gretchen says
We read together from the Bible every day as a family, but I’ve been looking for something my boys can do on their own. The One Year Devotions for Boys looks just right for my 10-year-old. Thanks!
Victoria says
We’re currently going through the “Do Right” Bible study from Not Consumed. I basically have just tweaked it so I can use it with all of my kids. It’s challenging, but I’m enjoying the conversations. I have my oldest son read all the verses and he really loves that!
Danielle says
These look like great devotionals! My 16-year-old daughter has done a great job getting a new devotional when she needs it by asking us or buying it herself or swapping with a friend!
Heather says
We blend character and Bible together. Right now we’re doing Attentiveness and reading Bible verses that go along with it. They are making collage posters by drawing symbols that go along with the verses. It’s keeping their attention and giving them a visual for later.
Crystal Lane says
We try to do a proverbs chapter everyday. We use King James and then each child picks out a verse they want to know more about and we look into it. It benefits our family 🙂
Sara says
I love the 5 minute family devotional!
Anna says
I used the one year devotions for preschoolers and Jesus is Calling for the younger boys age 3-6. Last year tired We Choose Virtues for the first time and the boys really liked it They were 5-7 at the time. We are still using the We Choose Virtues as a great reminder when we are struggling in particular area but I’d really like to find something to use along with it to teach more on character.
Lily old says
I’m currently looking for one for our daughter (6) and our son (8) but our son has CP and developmental delay and is not verbal. He loves to listen to his sister read, so I’ve thought of just starting to read straight from the Bible and talk about it. I’d love to find a devotional that goes through books of the Bible in order so she can start putting it all together.
Kelly says
Thank you for the recommendations! I am currently looking for new devotional books for my children as we often give new devotionals to them at Christmas time for them to use in the new year. Thank you for sharing your opinion about each one and breaking them into age groups too! I love the ideas for making devotional time more meaningful and will hopefully begin incorporating some of them soon to surprise my children!
Melissa says
These ideas are wonderful, simple ideas that I can apply to our family devotionals. We always let everyone have a chance to read or repeat a reading, but these other ideas will really help my kids think about what is being read. Thank you!
Sarah says
I love this post and these ideas. God has used our family devotion time in tremendous ways in our family. Two of my kids have gotten saved at them. It is definitely worth the effort and struggle to find the time to fit them in.
April says
Looks fabulous! I’d love to try these.
Melissa says
We struggle with family devotionals. I really want to do it but totally fail!
Christine says
I haven’t done family devotions as I had planned….need to get working on this ASAP!
Jo says
Thanks for the list! Do you have your kids use these books alone? Do they do individual devotions or Bible Study? We are finding that to be a challenge.
Kim Sorgius says
Hi Jo! We’ve done a combination of things in our home. First, I don’t think kids under 8 should ever be expected to have a quiet time. If you child shows initiative, go for it, but for the majority of kids, it’s not time. After age 8, I take them through a Bible study that teaches them how to have a quiet time and why. (Developing a Quiet Time.) Then we meet each day and talk about what we learned in our quiet times each morning. For younger kids, we just have devotion time together. Does that help?
Jessica Friend-Cassidy says
Thank you for all you do. I have been using your bible studies for years now. It is hard to be consistant and I have a wide age range from 9 to 18 months. I really like the idea from an above comment about gifting new devos at Christmas 😊
Lynette W says
These are such great ideas. My children will love several of them. Now to get to work deciding how to implement in our family.
Tanya Reed says
I need to start devotions (again). We used to read “Our Daily Bread” at breakfast, but haven’t done that for a while. Thanks for the ideas!
Kara says
I love the ideas you have to help engage everyone together. Right now we’re working on your Grateful Heart devotional. What do you like to use during the months of Nov/Dec?
Suzanne says
A Content Heart is also the one we like to use and suggest for those months 🙂
Suzanne@Not Consumed
Dana Julian says
I usually read to my girls each night but sometimes I let my oldest read. We vary between story Bible books that retell the stories of the Bible since we read directly from the Bible for homeschool and church lessons regularly. However, I love some of these ideas and I think the devotional might be a good way to get the oldest to do “quiet time” on her own – I’ve been trying to encourage that but it hasn’t taken hold yet.
Tina Kluesner says
I don’t have a favorite devotional. My girls and I are currently doing your “A Content Heart” together and are Loving It!