Book of devotions will equip families to share faith together
Down and Dromore Diocesan Youth Officer, Andrew Brannigan, has just published a new book of devotional ideas for families.
‘Family Time’, which is free, contains some suggestions for praying with children and 99 devotion outlines for teaching faith to children. These devotions look at significant occasions, moral and life lessons and some of the basics of Christian faith. The intention is that parents, grandparents and other family members will use it with all children –but it may fit best with 5–10 year olds.
Andrew, who is married to Lynne and has 3 primary school aged children, offers the paperback as a starting point for parents to develop faith and relationship with children in the home.
“This book was developed out of the struggle we have in teaching these things to our own children –in the context of all the other demands on our time and energy. In the context of perpetual tiredness! And also from the realisation that if we don’t do it, it won’t just happen,” says Andrew.
“The experiences we want our children to have, the values and beliefs we want them to hold and the relationships we want them to cherish don’t just happen. Rather they come about when we are purposeful and deliberate. When we decide to create experiences, teach beliefs and build relationships with children. This can be hard work but don’t we want the best for them?” he continues.
‘Family Time’ has been funded by The Church of Ireland Priorities Fund and is published by Church of Ireland Publishing. It is free of charge. Please contact
Andrew Brannigan
for copies.