Disciples in Training
We don’t learn to ride a bike, play an instrument, bake a cake, or other accomplishments by simply thinking it’s a nice idea. To do each of these things, we learn from others, we practice, we fail a few times, we keep learning. And often, we eventually teach some of what we have learned to others. Faith is no different. Being a disciple of Christ is something we learn together, something that takes time, curiosity, mentors, and practice. Being involved in an active church community, serving together, and doing the practices we will introduce to you this year are great ways to be disciples in training as a family. Regular spiritual practices also help us with this - similar to practicing scales on the piano or doing stretches at soccer practice. See Sabbath practice and Christ Candle for additional ideas for your family this year. The following practice, memorizing the Lord’s Prayer, helps us to write God’s word on our heart. Memorizing important passages can give us tools for life - words that we can come home to in the difficult moments of life, words that can guide us when faith begins to feel complicated.
Read It
Matthew 6:7-15
7 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
7 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Do It
Memorize the Lord’s prayer together. The most hassle-free way to do this is to say it regularly. Children are sponges, and after a time of saying this prayer every evening, or at another regular point of the day, they will have it learned (and so will you!). One of the wonderful things about knowing this prayer is that it is said collectively so often in faith communities. Your young child will perk up and join in when it is said in church or another setting. Its concepts are so simple: You are our creator. You are holy. You are in charge. Provide for our needs. Forgive us. Help us forgive each other. Help us live holy lives, and free us from bad things. You are forever.
Variation 1: Add to the prayer progressively for a few weeks, and do activities that center around each phrase. For example, bake bread together for, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Variation 2: Do the prayer with hand motions. Make up motions that make sense for your family - and let your children help figure them out.
Other foundational scripture passages to memorize together: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 John 4:19; John 3:16; Psalm 23
Variation 1: Add to the prayer progressively for a few weeks, and do activities that center around each phrase. For example, bake bread together for, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Variation 2: Do the prayer with hand motions. Make up motions that make sense for your family - and let your children help figure them out.
Other foundational scripture passages to memorize together: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 John 4:19; John 3:16; Psalm 23
Pray It
Our Father (or Creator) who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Sing It
"Disciples in Training"
New World Coming by Bryan Moyer Suderman, track 6
New World Coming by Bryan Moyer Suderman, track 6
Explore It
- A great article on the importance of rituals in family life
- More ideas for spiritual practices with children that center around scripture.
