For the past three weeks, our family has been holding weekly meetings that include a family devotion. We begin with a prayer, followed by a lesson from Listen Up by Marty Machowski, a book I purchased in Singapore. During the study, we examine the passage, focusing on why specific words are used to better understand their meaning. Afterward, we share insights and personal experiences related to the reading.

The most engaging part of our meeting is the “How Are You Doing?” segment. This is when each family member opens up about how they’re doing, sharing any struggles, failures, ambitions, or visions. We ask the following questions:

• How are you doing?
• What have you been busy with lately?
• Is anything bothering you?
• Are there any struggles, accomplishments, failures, ambitions, visions, or plans you’d like to share?
• What’s your prayer request?

We strive to create a safe space where our children feel comfortable sharing anything with us, their parents. Our goal is to show them that we’re not here to judge but to offer guidance when they’re lost and to support them in their endeavors. It’s remarkable what emerges during these weekly family meetings. At the same time, it’s no surprise that one child prefers to open up to one parent privately during bedtime rather than in the group setting, as certain matters require a more personal conversation.

Everyone looks forward to these family meetings because each person gets a chance to speak. When someone is talking, we emphasize listening—truly listening! It’s a sign of respect and care for one another.

My spouse and I facilitate the meetings, but we’re considering inviting our children to lead the Bible study portion in the future.

BIBLE VERSE

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

PRAYER FOR PARENTS

Lord, guide the parents of this generation to be present for their children, especially in their formative years. Protect these precious children from the enemy’s attempts to lead them astray, for they belong to You. We humbly seek Your grace and mercy. Help us not only to hear Your voice but to follow Your direction every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.