Family Devos - The Wickersham Way

Over the years we generally have had regular family devotions after dinnertime. The devotions have taken many forms and might be structured differently during special seasons (e.g., Advent and Lent) of the year. Sometimes Megan and I have read and taught a section of Scripture (e.g., The Sacrifice of Isaac or The Parable of the Good Samaritan) or even covered a whole book. Sometimes we have worked on memorizing a verse or maybe a Psalm. At other times I have brought out the recorder and played classic hymns or contemporary praise songs while the girls have sung and busted a move. We should definitely do this more. Central to our family devotions have been the Bible and prayer. Usually, we get out Daddy's big Bible (the ESV Study Bible) and a book given to us by some friends called Training Hearts Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Shorter Catechism by Starr Meade. We learn to memorize the questions and answers, and Megan and I explain the questions and answers in simpler terms. At times I do a stinky job explaining theology in little kid terms and Megan laughs, but she is helping me grow in this area. There is a short paragraph or two supported with Scripture that comes with each Q & A. Even if you are a believer in credobaptism (Believer's Baptism) like me, I still highly recommend Training Hearts Teaching Minds.

After discussing the lesson, we go around the table and pray for each other and others, praise and thank God for who He is and how He has blessed us, and confess our sin. Our family devos do not always go as pretty as how it may sound, but God is working on us and we are learning much. To Him be the glory.

Below are some links that can help you worship our Heavenly Father with your family.

15 Ways to Observe Holy Week With Your Family by Barbara Curtis (Crosswalk)

11 Reasons to Worship With Your Family by Jason Helopoulos (The Gospel Coalition)

Holy Week: Prepare For Easter With Your Family by Noel Piper (Desiring God)

Is Mandated Bible Reading Healthy for Kids? by Erik Raymond (Ordinary Pastor)