“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road…” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7
🕯️Reading the Bible as a family is one of the most powerful habits you can build into your home.
It not only strengthens your child’s faith—it roots your whole family in God’s truth, gives daily nourishment for the soul, and builds a legacy that lasts for generations.
But many Christian families wonder: Where do we start? How do we keep kids engaged? What if we don’t know all the answers? If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone—and this guide is for you.
Let’s walk through how to begin reading the Bible together as a family, with grace, joy, and simplicity.
📖 Why Family Bible Reading Matters
Before we get to the “how,” let’s remember the “why”:
- It’s God’s Command: Deuteronomy 6 tells us to impress God’s Word on our children as a way of life.
- It Shapes Worldview: God’s Word gives your family truth in a world full of noise and confusion.
- It Unites You Spiritually: Reading Scripture together invites the Holy Spirit to dwell richly in your home (Colossians 3:16).
- It Models Discipleship: When children see their parents submitting to God’s Word, they learn what it means to follow Christ.
🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Start a Family Bible Reading Habit
1. Pick a Time That Works for Your Family
Start with something manageable and consistent:
- Breakfast devotional
- After-dinner Scripture reading
- Bedtime Bible reflections
It doesn’t have to be long—10 to 15 minutes is a great start. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
2. Choose an Easy-to-Understand Bible Version
For younger children, try:
- NIrV (New International Reader’s Version)
- The Jesus Storybook Bible (for toddlers/preschoolers)
- Adventure Bible for early readers
For families with teens or mixed ages, the NIV, CSB, or ESV are all clear and faithful translations.
3. Start with a Simple Book
Begin with something engaging and foundational:
- The Gospel of Mark – Action-packed and focused on Jesus.
- Psalms – Teaches emotions, worship, and prayer.
- Proverbs – Full of wisdom for everyday life.
- Genesis or Exodus – Key stories of our faith’s beginning.
Don’t feel pressure to “get through” the Bible quickly. It’s about depth, not speed.
4. Involve Every Family Member
Make it interactive:
- Let children take turns reading.
- Ask open-ended questions: “What stood out to you?” or “What do you think this teaches us about God?”
- Let younger kids draw or act out what they hear.
5. Pray Before and After Reading
Start by asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes (Psalm 119:18). Close with short, heartfelt prayers from each family member. This models a life of dependence on God.
💡 Tips to Keep It Grace-Filled
- Don’t Panic if You Miss a Day: Life gets busy. Just pick up where you left off. It’s not about checking boxes—it’s about connecting hearts to God.
- Don’t Fear the Hard Questions: If a child asks something you don’t know, say, “Let’s find out together.” This shows humility and trust in God’s wisdom.
- Celebrate the Wins: When your child remembers a verse or asks a deep question, thank God! Little seeds are growing.
✨ Sample Reading Plan for Beginners
Week 1: One Psalm a Night
- Day 1: Psalm 1 – The way of the righteous
- Day 2: Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd
- Day 3: Psalm 100 – Shout for joy to the Lord
- Day 4: Psalm 121 – Where does my help come from?
- Day 5: Psalm 139 – God knows me completely
- Day 6: Family Discussion Night
- Day 7: Family Worship + Prayer
Alternate Option: Read through the Gospel of Mark, one chapter per night.
🪔 Anchor Scriptures
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – “Impress them on your children…”
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet…”
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful…”
- Joshua 1:8 – “Meditate on it day and night…”
🧡 Encouragement for Parents
You don’t need a theology degree. You don’t need to have all the answers. You only need a willing heart and a Bible.
Remember, it is God’s Spirit who teaches, convicts, and leads—not our perfect words.
God promises that His Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
Each verse you read together is a seed planted in your child’s heart, and in due season, it will bear fruit.
📂 Coming Soon: “Family Devotion Starter Kit” Printable!
We’ll soon release a free downloadable resource to help you build this habit joyfully, including:
✅ A weekly Bible reading planner
✅ Family discussion questions
✅ Bible bookmarks for kids
✅ A simple prayer guide
🌱 Stay tuned at www.christschooling.com!
Let this be the year your family grows together in the Word.
Open your Bibles, open your hearts—and watch God do something eternal in your home. 💖
