Teaching Your Kids to Have Personal Time with God.
In the fast-paced world we live in today, it is more important than ever to instill a sense of spiritual awareness in our children. Courageous Living: Teaching Your Kids to Have Personal Time with God Ultimately, these moments help to encourage children in their walk with God. Being parents is not just about guiding children in academics; we are also responsible for guiding them spiritually and building relationships with the divine. They will share practical tips and creative ideas for cultivating intimate time with God, habits that can add depth to their lives and help grow their faith. We welcome you to embark on this fulfilling path of enlightenment and growth with us!
Why Personal Time with God Matters
Personal time with God is essential for spiritual growth. It allows children to:
- Connect deeply with God: Spending quiet moments in prayer or reading Scripture helps children understand God’s love and presence in their lives.
- Learn to hear God’s voice: Through reflection and prayer, kids can begin discerning God’s guidance in their decisions.
- Build a strong faith foundation: Developing this habit early prepares them for a lifelong journey of faith.
- Find comfort and guidance: Personal time with God can be a source of peace when facing challenges or uncertainties.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Story: Sarah, a mother of two, introduced daily quiet time to her 8-year-old daughter Emma. Within weeks, Sarah noticed Emma became more patient with her younger brother and started sharing Bible verses during family dinners. “It was like watching her heart open up,” Sarah said. “Her quiet time transformed her attitude and brought peace into our home.”
How to Start Teaching Kids Quiet Time
1. Lead by Example
Children often learn best by observing their parents. Make your own quiet time visible and meaningful to them.
- Let your kids see you reading your Bible or journaling about
- Share insights from your personal devotions during family
- Pray openly throughout the day—before meals, during car rides, or before bedtime—to model dependence on God.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
2. Create a Special Space
Designate a cozy corner in your home where your child can spend quiet time with God. This could be a reading nook filled with pillows, a small desk for journaling, or even an outdoor spot where they feel close to nature.
3. Choose Age-Appropriate Resources
Make sure the materials you provide match your child’s age and interests:
- Illustrated children’s Bibles for younger
- Devotional books designed for tweens or
- Bible apps that include games, quizzes, or interactive features
Making Quiet Time Fun and Engaging
Personal time with God should be something your children look forward to—not something they dread as another “task.” Here are creative ways to make it engaging:
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Use Creative Methods
Encourage kids to express their faith in ways that resonate with them:
- Bible journaling with colorful pens and stickers
- Creating prayer jars where they write down prayer requests on slips of
- Worship dance sessions where they move to praise
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Incorporate Technology
Many kids enjoy digital tools, so leverage technology wisely:
- Use Bible apps like YouVersion Kids with interactive stories and
- Introduce Christian podcasts designed for young
- Watch animated Bible story videos together on platforms like
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Make It Interactive
Help your child actively engage with Scripture instead of passively reading it:
- Act out Bible stories as a family (e.g., David and Goliath or Noah’s Ark)
- Encourage them to draw pictures inspired by what they have read in the
- Suggest writing letters to God expressing their thoughts and
Establishing a Routine for Quiet Time
Consistency is key when developing habits, especially spiritual ones like quiet time with God. Here is how you can establish a routine that works for your family:
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Set a Regular Time
Pick a specific time each day that fits well into your child’s schedule:
- First thing in the morning before school
- After school during downtime
- Before bedtime as part of their nightly routine
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Start Small
Begin with just 5–10 minutes of quiet time each day so it does not feel overwhelming. Gradually increase the duration as they grow more comfortable spending time alone with God.
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Be Flexible
While routines are important, it is okay to adapt based on your child’s needs or
schedule changes. The goal is consistency—not perfection!
Overcoming Challenges Along the Way
Teaching kids to have personal time with God is not always easy, but perseverance pays off! Here are common challenges parents face and how to address them:
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Lack of Interest
If your child seems uninterested in quiet time:
- Try different approaches until you find what resonates (e.g., music-based worship versus journaling).
- Share stories from your own spiritual journey that highlight how quiet time has impacted you personally.
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Distractions
Kids can easily get distracted during quiet moments:
- Create a distraction-free environment by removing toys or gadgets from their designated space for quiet time.
- Use noise-canceling headphones if necessary or play soft instrumental worship music in the background.
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Busy Schedules
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time can be challenging:
- Treat quiet time as an important activity by scheduling it like any other priority (e.g., sports practice or homework).
- Consider combining individual quiet times into family devotional sessions if schedules are tight.
Encouraging Reflection and Growth
As your children develop their quiet-time habit, help them reflect on their experiences so they can grow spiritually:
- Ask open-ended questions like “What did you learn about God today?” or “Did anything stand out in the Bible passage you read?”
- Encourage them to share their prayers or journal entries during family discussions (if they are comfortable).
- Celebrate milestones such as memorizing Scripture verses or completing devotional books together as a family.
Story: Jake, a ten-year-old boy who kept a prayer journal during his quiet times, shared how he saw answers unfold over months of writing down his prayers. “It makes me feel closer to God,” he said excitedly, “and I know He’s listening!” Moments like these inspire kids to keep pursuing their relationship with Christ.
Conclusion
Teaching your kids to have personal time with God is one of the most impactful ways you can nurture their faith journey—and it is never too early (or too late) to start! By leading by example, creating engaging opportunities for spiritual growth, and establishing consistent routines, you are helping them build habits that will last a lifetime.
Remember that every child is unique; what works for one may not work for another — but patience and persistence will pay off as you guide them toward a deeper connection with Christ.
Begin today by talking with your child about spending personal time with God! Ask what excites them about learning more about Him—and commit together as a family to support each other’s spiritual growth.
