Young children are capable of listening and interacting with a story and learning that the Bible is God’s Word for us.
With this faith moment the parents gather (often the children too) and discover:
• How to talk about God and matters of the faith with your kids. • How to create a home environment that invites God to be real and present. • How to pray more effectively with your child. • How to speak words of blessing to your child. • Parents also have the chance to discuss with other parents the challenges and joys of spiritual parenting.
At Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, parents and young children meet together to learn how to create faith conversations in their home. After 2-3 sessions parents and children gift their child with a picture Bible and bless them in worship. The Faith Legacy Series is an excellent resource for leading this milestone and equips the parents to be the spiritual leader in the home. A spiritual leader provides ongoing instruction and nurture of the child’s Christian faith.
At Gloria Dei, Urbandale we give a picture Bible to preschoolers. We focus our time on 3 intentional family moments: Play, Faith Sharing, and Prayer. Play: Families are encouraged to play together at intentional stations. Faith Sharing: Reading God’s Word and talking about it. Modeling is done so families can do similarly with their child. Expressive reading of God’s Word in their new picture Bible. Intentional questions asked about the Bible story, conversation starters about things related to Bible story. Do a devotion together Highs & lows of the day Read God’s Word together/Bible story Pray for and with one another Bless one another Prayer: Praying for and with children. Modeling is done so families can feel comfortable praying at home with their child. Echo prayers, popcorn prayers, and conversation prayers are modeled. Encouragement is given to help parents remember to let their child pray too. Idea cards are sent home with parents to encourage faith conversations throughout the day.
