Family Devotions: Seven Simple Bible Conver­sations at Home

You do not need to prepare a lesson or have every answer. A short Bible reading, an honest conversation, and a simple prayer can help your family learn about Jesus together.

This free guide is for parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Use it with one child or several, with younger children or teenagers. Everything is here on the page. No download or signup is required.

A simple way to begin

Choose a familiar moment, such as after a meal or before bed. Allow about five to ten minutes, adjusting to your family.

1. Read: Open a Bible and read the passage aloud. An audio Bible works, too.

2. Talk: Ask one question. Give everyone room to think, speak, or pass.

3. Pray: Thank God for something you noticed and ask for his help.

These seven conversations can take a week, several weeks, or longer. Read the actual Bible passage before using the prompts. The summaries below help you begin; they do not replace Scripture.

Seven conversations to try

1. Jesus welcomes children

Read Mark 10:13–16.

When others tried to keep children away, Jesus welcomed them. Children matter to him.

For younger children: What did Jesus do when the children came?

For older children and teens: What might the disciples have misunderstood about who matters to Jesus?

Try together: Listen to each person share one thing about their day without interrupting.

Pray: “Jesus, thank you for welcoming children. Help us notice and care for people others overlook.”

2. Love your neighbor

Read Luke 10:25–37.

Jesus tells a story about a Samaritan who stops to help an injured stranger. Love becomes visible through mercy.

For younger children: Who stopped to help? What did he do?

For older children and teens: How does this story challenge the way we decide who deserves our attention?

Try together: Choose one practical way to help someone this week, with an adult’s guidance.

Pray: “God, help us see our neighbors’ needs and respond with kindness.”

3. Bring your needs to God

Read Matthew 6:9–13.

Jesus teaches his followers to honor God and bring everyday needs, forgiveness, and requests for help to him.

For younger children: What is one thing you would like to ask God about?

For older children and teens: What do you notice about the things Jesus includes in this prayer?

Try together: Let each person offer one short prayer, or listen while someone else prays.

Pray: “Father, give us what we need today and help us follow your ways.”

4. Listen before reacting

Read James 1:19–25.

James calls believers to listen carefully and put God’s word into practice.

For younger children: What helps you listen when someone is talking?

For older children and teens: How is hearing good advice different from acting on it?

Try together: Practice listening to someone’s whole sentence before responding.

Pray: “God, help us listen patiently and live out what we learn.”

5. Jesus serves others

Read John 13:1–17.

Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and teaches them to follow his example of humble service.

For younger children: What surprising job did Jesus do?

For older children and teens: Why can it be hard to serve when no one will praise us?

Try together: Do one ordinary household task that helps someone else.

Pray: “Jesus, help us follow your example and serve without needing attention.”

6. Forgiveness begins with God’s kindness

Read Ephesians 4:29–32.

Paul connects kind words and forgiveness with the forgiveness God gives through Christ.

For younger children: What words could help someone who feels sad?

For older children and teens: What is the difference between admitting wrong and making an excuse?

Try together: If you need to apologize, name what you did without blaming the other person.

Pray: “God, thank you for your mercy. Help us speak kindly and make things right.”

Forgiveness does not mean pretending harm is acceptable or keeping unsafe behavior secret. Children should tell a trusted adult when someone hurts or frightens them.

7. Jesus is risen

Read Luke 24:1–12.

The women find the tomb empty and hear that Jesus has risen. His resurrection is at the heart of Christian hope.

For younger children: What surprised the people at the tomb?

For older children and teens: How did the people respond to the news? What questions does this passage raise for you?

Try together: Share one thing you learned about Jesus and one question you want to explore.

Pray: “Jesus, thank you that you are alive. Help us understand who you are and trust you.”

Make room for different ages

With younger children: Use one question, explain unfamiliar words, and invite them to draw something from the story.

With older children and teens: Ask what they notice before giving your explanation. Take their questions seriously. “I’m not sure; let’s look together” is a useful answer.

With mixed ages: Let younger children describe what happened, then invite older children to explore why it matters. No one needs to perform or give a perfect answer.

When you miss a day: Pick up where you left off. Learning about God together is not a competition or a way to earn his love.

Keep learning together

Want help finding your way around the Bible? Read How to Start Reading the Bible. For more help with prayer, explore How to Pray.

If you are near Shelby, Ohio, we would love to meet your family. Learn about kids at Shelby Alliance Church, explore our youth ministry, or email staff@shelbyalliance.org with a question.