Family Devotions

For some time now I have been thinking about family devotions. Our routine to this point has been to read Window on the World and The Big Picture Story Bible (and sometimes My First Book of Questions, depending on how tired she is) to Elisabeth at bedtime. It has been very valuable, and I think that all three books work well together.

My pondering has been when to make the transition from 'Bible before bed' to family devotions. When does it become a genuine family time of reading and prayer rather than a time targeted specifically for Elisabeth? My sense is that participating in family devotions is the context in which children see their parents model how to know and trust God.

Today in my devotions, I read Leviticus 6:1-7, and saw something that would give even a child as young as Elisabeth a glimpse of our need for forgiveness. The LORD is directing Moses in what to do when a person breaks faith with the Lord by deceiving, stealing, oppressing, or lying. Not only is the person required to restore whatever was stolen or defrauded with an additional 20% of the value "on the day that he realizes his guilt," but he must also bring a guilt offering to the LORD to make atonement for his sin, so that he may be forgiven. The text shows very clearly for a small child that merely restoring what is taken doesn't bring forgiveness. Restitution goes farther than the sin - and yet still there is need of atonement for forgiveness because sin is "breach of faith against the LORD." Texts like this push parents and children alike to the Cross - and I have yet to find a children's Bible that includes Leviticus 6 in its readings.

For those readers who have older, or grown, children: When did you make the transition to family devotions? How can we make the transition smooth?