Together...in the World! Family Devotion Tips That work By Shari Miller What’s a family to do? Does this sound familiar? Between piano lessons, homework, church meetings, and practices, we barely see each other let alone find an opportunity to gather around God’s Word. I knew what Ephesians 6:4b said, bring them [your children] up in the training of the Lord, but I wondered how to encourage family worship and spiritual training in a contemporary family like mine where schedules conflict, priorities change daily, and meeting together as a family unit is rare. Here are suggestions for getting together…in the Word! Keep a Bible or devotional book handy where your family congregates. For many, that would be around the table or island at mealtime, but it could be in the car or van. Get together and just do it! Choose a time that is regular — even if it is once a week — but also be flexible and ready to share God’s Word at any time. If one family member has to miss family worship, go ahead and do it with those who are there. Don’t be discouraged. Try this alternative: Plan long-distance devotions with those family members out of town at school or away from home for work. Agree to read the material separately, but come together at a set time on the phone or use e-mail to discuss it. Get creative! Consider not only reading and listening to God’s Word during your family worship, but also include singing, playing musical instruments, praying, playing Bible games, going on nature walks, designing scrapbooks, and making art projects. Include everyone in the reading and discussion. Consider each family worship time a victory. Satan knows how valuable it is for families to be in the Word and sets up obstacles to discourage you. When you overcome those obstacles, your family has achieved a victory in the Precious Name of Jesus. So what’s a family to do? Like me, perhaps you can look forward to the continuing reformation of your family worship life. Be encouraged by God’s Word, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). Shari Miller is the News Editor for the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly.