Family Snow Day Devotion

Hey there!  I certainly hope that you are enjoying the snow.  Whether you’re watching it fall outside your window, or you’re playing in it together as a family, it sure is a joy!  Given the conditions and concern for everyone’s safety, we weren’t able to gather in worship today, but that doesn’t mean we can’t honor the Lord as a family.  I encourage you to walk through these Bible passages and seek the Lord in prayer.  You can do this on your own or together.  Moms and Dads, you should take time to do this with your kids.  You might find they really enjoy hearing you talk about God’s Word! 

Praying the Scriptures
Sometimes knowing what to pray can be a challenge.  I admit my prayers are often repetitive and routine.  One idea that helps us break out of that habitual prayer is to pray scripture.  When we read the Bible, and pray specifically for what it says, we are certainly praying for good things.  Praying Scripture ensures that we are praying for what God wants also.  Praying Scripture helps us remain in God’s Word. 

So, let’s practice together! 

Turn in your Bibles to Psalm 8 and read verses 1-2. 
These verses are expressing praise to God.  He is Lord over all the earth.  His name is majestic like a king.  His glory, that is, His wonderful character and power is on full display in the heavens.  Even the children can recognize His strength, and His enemies are silence. 

When we read these verses, we are encouraged to offer prayers of praise to God.

Next, read verses 3-5. 
The psalmist, David, describes how awesome God’s creativity is just by looking at the stars in the sky.  God made all this, and yet God cares about people.  David is humbled by the fact that God cares for him. 

These verses prompt us to be humble in our prayers.  We express our humility before God as we recognize the greatness of God. 

Now read verse 6-9. 
Not only does God care for us even though we don’t deserve it.  God even privileged us with authority over creation.  Humanity is set apart from the rest of God’s creation with a dignity that surpasses the rest.  How wonderful it is to be loved by God! 

These verses prompt us to praise and give thanks to God for the blessings and responsibilities He has given us. 

You see when we read God’s Word it teaches us what we should pray.  Now, take time together, read the following passages, and share with one another how these passages prompt you to pray.  If you have young children, you might choose one passage to read together.  If your family is older, you might have each person read a separate passage, and share how it prompts them to pray. 

Psalm 23             Psalm 25             Psalm 63             Psalm 86             Psalm 139           Psalm 145

Finally, how do the Scriptures today prompt you to pray?  Take time and pray together as a family.  You might take turns letting each person pray a simple sentence.  And remember, next time you pray, consider praying how the Scriptures lead you to pray.