Family Devotion 1: The Story of the Prodigal Son Theme: Understanding God's Love and ForgivenessSuggested Time: Dinner time Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-24 (Paraphrase for younger kids) Activity:

Discussion Starter: Ask the kids if they have ever lost something important to them. How did they feel when they found it again? Story Time: Read or paraphrase the story of the Prodigal Son. Explain how the son left his father but was welcomed back with open arms. Reflection Questions:

Why do you think the father was so happy to see his son again? How does this story show us God's love for us? Have you ever done something wrong and been forgiven?

Prayer: Thank God for His love and forgiveness. Ask Him to help us forgive others as He forgives us. Parenting Tip: Encourage open sharing. Let kids express their thoughts and feelings about forgiveness and love.

Family Devotion 2: The Far Country Theme: The Dangers of Drifting Away from GodSuggested Time: During a car ride Scripture Reading: James 4:4 Activity:

Discussion Starter: Talk about a time when you got lost or took a wrong turn. How did you find your way back? Story Connection: Explain how the Prodigal Son thought the far country would be fun, but it turned out to be a place of trouble. Reflection Questions:

What are some things that can distract us from God? How can we stay close to God even when we are tempted to drift away?

Prayer: Ask God to help us stay close to Him and to guide us back when we stray. Parenting Tip: Use the car ride to create a relaxed environment where kids feel comfortable sharing.

Family Devotion 3: The Father's House Theme: The Joy of Being in God's PresenceSuggested Time: Before bedtime Scripture Reading: Psalm 16:11 Activity:

Discussion Starter: Ask the kids what their favorite thing about being at home is. Story Connection: Talk about how the Prodigal Son realized that everything he needed was in his father's house. Reflection Questions:

What do you think it means to be in God's presence? How can we make our home a place where God is welcome?

Prayer: Thank God for His presence in our lives and ask Him to help us feel His joy and peace. Parenting Tip: Create a cozy atmosphere with dim lights and soft voices to help kids wind down and reflect.

Family Devotion 4: The Consequences of Choices Theme: Making Wise DecisionsSuggested Time: During a family walk Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 Activity:

Discussion Starter: Talk about a choice you made today. Was it a good choice or a bad choice? Story Connection: Discuss how the Prodigal Son made a choice to leave and what happened as a result. Reflection Questions:

How do our choices affect us and others? How can we ask God for help in making good choices?

Prayer: Ask God for wisdom to make good choices and to help us learn from our mistakes. Parenting Tip: Use the walk to engage in a natural conversation, allowing kids to explore their thoughts on decision-making.

Family Devotion 5: Coming Home Theme: Returning to GodSuggested Time: Breakfast time Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:9 Activity:

Discussion Starter: Ask the kids if they have ever been away from home for a long time. How did it feel to come back? Story Connection: Talk about how the Prodigal Son decided to return home and how his father welcomed him. Reflection Questions:

What does it mean to return to God? How can we help others who might feel far from God?

Prayer: Thank God for always welcoming us back and ask Him to help us be welcoming to others. Parenting Tip: Encourage kids to think about how they can show love and acceptance to others, just like the father in the story.