5 Ways to Grow Closer to The Lord as a Family
Author: Abi Oxley-Derrick
June 30, 2022
5 Ways to Grow Closer to The Lord as a Family
With the summer in full swing, and the kids at home for a few more weeks, this is the perfect time to be intentional about growing your family’s relationship with the Lord! There is such a short window of their lives where there is no school, life is slower, and there are more moments to stop and find ways to draw near to the Lord. So, here are five ways to grow closer to the Lord as a family this summer:
1: Read the Word together: If this one seems obvious, that’s because it is! Getting in God’s word is one of the simplest, most important ways to learn about the character of Christ. Every parent’s prayer for themselves and for their children is to see them become more like Jesus, and reading the word is the best way to understand the model He has given us.
We all know that summer break can have a lot of expectations, and oftentimes is full of sibling fights and tension. But, studying the word of God as a family re-aligns you with the foundation of peace and intimacy as a family unit. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Studying the Bible as a family is easily the best way to draw closer to the Lord as a family, and create an atmosphere of love and unity over tension and strife this summer break.
2: Pray together: I know, I know, another super obvious one! But here is my challenge to you, pray BOLD prayers this summer. Pray intentional prayers this summer. Discuss as a family what you’re longing to see God do in your lives, in your family, in your heart, in your relationships, in the upcoming school year, etc. Then rather than praying default, general prayers that cover it all, teach your children how to pray intentionally, specifically, and with boldness that God does what He says He will.
Our children are looking to us to teach them how, and why we pray. Use this summer to show them the friend we have in Jesus, and allow them to fully experience the wonderful, open communication we have with Him.
Ephesians 6:18 says, “and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Show your children what it means to pray in ALL occasions, with ALL requests.
3: Serve Together: This one is SO important. One of our core values at The Creek is to see people Set in Motion, serving the community and the world as the hands and feet of Jesus. There are consistent opportunities to be plugged in at the church, in the community, and around the globe. So I want to challenge you this summer, whether it’s through The Creek or another local organization, find a way for you and your family to serve TOGETHER. Model for your kids what it looks like to sacrifice precious time and energy to show someone that they matter and are loved! It’s so important to serve regularly, but it’s incredibly important to serve as a family unit.
I cannot touch on this point without reminding you that while serving outside of the home is important, and part of what God has called you to, serving your family inside the home is just as important, if not more. Your kids are watching EVERYTHING. Every interaction, every act of service. This summer, while you have the opportunity of having them home, be intentional about serving your spouse and your family with a gentle spirit and kind heart. That lays a foundation for service that cannot be found anywhere else!
4: Have a Meal Together: This is probably something that you’re already doing as a family, and that is AMAZING! But I want to challenge you to take it one step further this summer, using the Last Supper as an example:
Matthew 16:17-30:
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”
Jesus tells us to remember this sacrifice every time that we eat or drink. Obviously, it’s highly improbable that we will. But, this summer, dinnertime can be an incredible opportunity to have conversations with your kids about Jesus, His sacrifice, and what He is doing in your life. Jesus could have allowed that Last Supper to be lighthearted and easygoing, but He used the time to prepare the disciples for what was to come. I’m absolutely not saying that dinner every night should be somber and heavy, but what I am saying is to not waste the time where you are gathered and not distracted, and use it intentionally.
5: Find a Study to do as a Family: I think it is so important to allow your children to use and study resources that fit their walk with the Lord, and their age, while still growing them and allowing them opportunities to learn. I think it’s important for adults to do the same thing! Finding a study that can allow your whole family to grow based on where they are at, but allow space for everyone to learn from each other is huge! I highly encourage you to create time in your schedule to, as a family, do a bible study that has something for everyone. Modeling what it looks like to study this bible this way sets your kids up for success in the future. Here are some resources to find bible studies for your family:
- https://www.creativebiblestudy.com/family-Bible-study.html
- https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/bible-studies/study-by-topic/relationships/family
- https://www.bridges.church/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PDF-Family-Devotions-Fill-in-Weeks-1-6.pdf
Summer break can feel like a whirlwind, and it always ends so fast! So, my prayer for you this summer is that you’re able to slow down, seek the Lord, and grow closer to Him as a family this summer!
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