Why Family Devotions Matter

Before jumping into the resources, it's worth considering why regular family devotions are so important. Family devotions provide opportunities for faith discussions, and they create habits that help cultivate a family culture rooted in faith and connection. 

Setting aside even 10 to 15 minutes a day to focus on God together can have a lasting impact on your children’s spiritual growth and understanding of who God is. These devotionals also help facilitate age-appropriate discussions that can help kids understand and apply God’s Word in a meaningful way.

Best Family Devotional Resources

Below, we’ve categorized some of the best family devotional resources based on formats that can fit your family’s unique needs—whether you love reading together, listening to audio, or getting interactive. These resources are great for families of different sizes and ages.

I) Traditional Family Devotional Books

Family devotional books are a great way to build a habit of reading Scripture together in an accessible and organized way. Here are some of the best options for families:

1. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

If you have younger children, "The Jesus Storybook Bible" is an exceptional devotional resource. This book weaves together stories from both the Old and New Testaments in a way that highlights Jesus’ presence throughout all of Scripture. The illustrations are beautiful, and the narrative style is perfect for engaging children as young as three.

The main strength of "The Jesus Storybook Bible" is how it consistently connects every Bible story back to the redemptive work of Jesus, helping children understand that the Bible is truly one cohesive story. There are also downloadable materials available that can make devotional time even more interactive.

2. Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science by Louie Giglio

For families with curious young minds, "Indescribable" by Louie Giglio is a fun and fascinating resource. This devotional offers 100 devotions that show how science and faith align. Each devotion dives into topics like space, the human body, animals, and other scientific wonders—all with a focus on God's creativity.

This resource is great for elementary-aged children and for sparking conversations between parents and kids about how science and faith complement each other. It also includes fun activities and simple experiments that make the learning hands-on and memorable.

3. Long Story Short by Marty Machowski

"Long Story Short" is a solid devotional for families with elementary to middle school-aged kids. This five-day-a-week, 10-minute family devotional is meant to walk families through the Old Testament and show how each story points to Jesus. Each day’s reading includes a Bible passage, questions to encourage discussion, and ideas for prayer.

One great thing about "Long Story Short" is that it allows families to go deeper into the Bible without requiring too much preparation. It’s perfect for busy families who want a solid, consistent devotional plan.

II) Interactive and Hands-On Devotional Resources

For families that prefer a more interactive experience, there are several devotional resources that combine creativity, art, and hands-on activities.

4. Not Consumed Ministries: My Brother’s Keeper

"Not Consumed Ministries" offers a range of devotionals, but one standout is "My Brother’s Keeper." This family devotional is focused on sibling relationships, encouraging love, forgiveness, and healthy conflict resolution through biblical principles.

The workbook format allows for hands-on activities, journal prompts, and family discussions. If sibling conflict is an issue in your home, this is a resource that will help your children understand the importance of unity and patience with one another in a way that is practical and fun.

5. Family Time Training

"Family Time Training" is a resource that provides engaging Bible activities that can be done as a family. These activities are focused on teaching biblical concepts through experiential learning. Each activity includes simple instructions, a list of supplies, and discussion questions that make learning about God’s Word practical and memorable.

This resource is great for families with a wide range of ages, as it is adaptable and fun for everyone—from toddlers to teenagers. It's ideal for hands-on learners who prefer movement and creativity during devotional time.

III) Digital and Audio Devotional Resources

In today’s digital age, there are a number of fantastic apps and audio devotionals that allow families to connect over faith while on the go. Here are a few of the best options for digital devotionals:

6. Keys for Kids App

"Keys for Kids" is an app that offers audio devotionals that are perfect for car rides or winding down before bedtime. The stories are engaging and always connect back to a biblical principle, making them accessible to younger children while still interesting for older kids.

The app also features Bible verses, reflection questions, and a journal to help kids engage in the content. "Keys for Kids" is a great resource for busy families, as it offers a way to easily incorporate devotions into daily routines.

7. Bible App for Kids

The "Bible App for Kids" is a free app that offers interactive Bible stories and games to help kids learn more about God’s Word. Each story is animated and provides questions to encourage family discussion, making it an excellent resource for young children.

The app is particularly appealing to kids who enjoy games and digital storytelling. It’s an easy and effective way to introduce young children to the Bible and the love of God.

IV) Devotional Resources for Teens

As children grow into teenagers, family devotional time can become more challenging as schedules get busier and interests diverge. However, there are a few resources that can effectively meet teens where they are.

8. New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

"New Morning Mercies" is a devotional written by Paul David Tripp that includes daily readings designed to encourage deep reflection and conversation. While this devotional wasn’t specifically created for teens, its honest and thought-provoking style is great for older teens who are seeking a deeper understanding of God and His grace.

Parents can read the daily devotionals together with their teenagers and use the reflection points to discuss how the biblical principles apply to their lives. It’s a great resource for helping teens build consistent devotional habits and navigate their faith journey during a pivotal time of growth.

9. Live in Light: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls by Melanie M. Redd

For teen girls, "Live in Light" offers five-minute daily devotionals that address relevant topics like self-worth, anxiety, friendships, and faith. Each devotion includes a Bible verse, a short reflection, and questions that encourage thoughtful conversation between parents and teens.

This resource is ideal for busy families, as it allows for a quick yet impactful devotional experience that speaks to the specific needs of teen girls. It’s perfect for deepening relationships and discussing challenging topics from a biblical perspective.

V) Creating Your Own Family Devotional Plan

In addition to the many books, apps, and interactive resources available, consider developing your own family devotional plan to cater to your family’s specific needs and schedule. Creating your own plan gives you the freedom to focus on topics that are particularly meaningful for your family.

Here are some ideas to help you create your own family devotional plan:

• Focus on a Book of the Bible: Choose a book of the Bible to read through as a family. Read a small section each day and discuss what it means.
• Theme-Based Devotionals: Pick a theme for each week, such as gratitude, courage, forgiveness, or prayer. Find relevant Bible verses and talk about how each theme applies to your family’s life.
• Prayer Journal: Create a family prayer journal where everyone can write down prayer requests and praises. Spend time each day praying together and reflecting on God’s answers to those prayers.
• Incorporate Music: Use worship songs during devotional time to engage musically inclined family members. Choose a song that connects with the theme for the week, and discuss the lyrics together.

By creating your own plan, you can easily adapt the devotions to fit the ages, schedules, and preferences of your family members. It’s also a great way to reinforce topics that your children may be learning in school or church.

Choosing the Right Devotional for Your Family

With so many incredible options available, it can be challenging to decide which devotional resource is best for your family. Here are some factors to consider:

• Ages of Your Children: Be sure to choose a resource that is appropriate for the ages of your kids. Younger children will need simpler language and more visual aids, while teens might benefit from devotionals that challenge them to think more deeply.
• Family Schedule: If your family has a very busy schedule, consider a devotional that is shorter and easier to implement. Apps and audio devotionals work well for families on the go.
• Learning Styles: Take into account how your children learn best. If they are hands-on learners, consider resources that include activities or crafts. For kids who love stories, focus on narrative-based devotionals.

Ultimately, the best devotional resource is one that your family will consistently use. It’s better to start small and be consistent than to set unrealistic goals and struggle to keep up.

Reach Out To Emmanuel Lutheran School for Christ-Centered Education

The resources we’ve explored in this article are tools that can help you build meaningful family habits centered around God's Word.

Whether you choose a traditional book, a digital app, or hands-on activities, the most important part is simply making time for it. A consistent devotional routine can impact your children’s understanding of God, their relationship with each other, and the overall spiritual health of your home.

If you’re looking for a Christ-centered educational environment that will support and encourage your child’s spiritual development, consider Emmanuel Lutheran School. 

At Emmanuel Lutheran School, students have the opportunity to study Christ and the Scriptures while excelling academically in a nurturing community. Contact us to learn more about how we can partner with you in your child’s faith journey.