We are starting two new spiritual practices in 2013.
First, we’re adding a practice to our evening family devotion routine. We’ve always read Scripture or a Bible story and prayed together as a family just before putting the kids to bed. Recently, we became more intentional about memorizing Scripture.
This year, we’re adding a little to it. Each month, we’re going to focus on a meaningful word. We will also work on memorizing and internalizing a verse of Scripture that reinforces the word.
The words and verses we choose will be concepts that deepen our discipleship.
We are starting with the word LOVE.
For the next month, we will emphasize love and have as many conversations about love as we can. We’ll talk about love in the context of our relationship with God, our family relationships, as well as relationships with others.
We will memorize and internalize Luke 10.27 …
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Second, Joleen and I are going to continue our devotional time together afterward by reading a daily devotional reading from Jesus Today. Then, we will pray together.
In the last few years, at least, our family devotion time has replaced our couple’s devotion time. But both are necessary (see Couples Who Pray Together Stay Together). This will help us be more intentional about praying together.
We expect these practices to strengthen our discipleship and deepen our walks with God. They will also help nurture our relationships with one another!
How do you cultivate your relationship with God in your family?