For many years now, I’ve asked students about their quiet time with the Lord. Frankly, many struggle with consistency, especially with prayer. Anecdotally, though, here’s what I’ve learned: the students who struggle least tend to have had parents who modeled quiet times for them. Sometimes they did that intentionally, but at other times it just happened. Their parents did their quiet time in a more public place, and their kids took note. Here’s why that matters:
Here’s my point, parents and grandparents: involve your kids and grandkids in your quiet time. You may still need some completely alone time with God, but don’t miss the opportunity to invite others to join you.
If your preschooler will grant you only 15 seconds of attention, put him on your lap for 15 seconds—then tell him a one-sentence story with your Bible open, and say a prayer for him. If your teenager will give you only that same amount of time, pray a scripture verse over her before she starts the day. Send your adult children an email each day, letting them know what the Lord is showing you from His Word. Occasionally, send them a text telling them how you’re praying for them.
It matters that our kids learn from us how to spend time with God.