Devotions for Home or On the Go

It’s that time of year: school has started, fall sports are in full swing, and after-school activities fill the calendar. With such a flurry of activity, family devotions can easily fall by the wayside. Or perhaps family devotions has been something you’ve wanted to do, but haven’t known how to implement.

For the Family has already given us practical encouragement on how to start family devotions. But sometimes, we as parents need some practical resources that allow the redemptive story of the Bible to capture the hearts of our children. And some of these tools can even be enjoyed on the go in the midst of a busy school-time schedule.

For the Littlest Listener
The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm was one of the first Bible storybooks we read our children. With engaging illustrations the simple text is perfect for the youngest and squirmiest of children. Although short, the text is still quite deep, as it captures the overarching story of redemption that runs through the whole Bible.

Every Story Whispers His Name
In our house, The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones is lovingly battered with use. There aren’t any “be good and moral so God will love you” takeaways, like so many Bible retellings for children so tragically relate. The book’s tagline “every story whispers his name” encapsulates the goal of this book. Each story points to Jesus and his “Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” The illustrations are detailed and a little whimsical. One of my favorite aspects of the collector’s edition is the audiobook version, which features actor David Suchet’s fabulous vocal talent, which means my kids have often fallen to sleep listening to these stories again and again.

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones differs from my last two suggestions in that it is not a Bible storybook, but instead offers a short devotional per page based on one verse of scripture. The book is based more on biblical concepts such as faith, love, trust, and prayer than the retelling of Biblical narratives. Lloyd-Jones shares complex ideas in simple language that is devoid of “christianese.”

Faith Comes by Hearing
As I already mentioned, audiobooks are a great way to experience God’s Word as a family. And they don’t just come in storybook form, but the entire Bible can also be downloaded to listen to. At the end of a long day (or even in the car!) family devotions can be as simple as the push of the play button on the nearest iPad. Faith Comes by Hearing is a wonderful resource that allows several free downloads of audiobook Bibles, with many different versions from which to choose.

As the new school year kicks into gear, the schedule may be complicated, but family devotions doesn’t have to be.

What devotion resources are a favorite in your family?

Blessings,

Danielle