Easter Devotions for Families With Kids

A family devotion does not need to be long. For children, short and regular works better than long and rare. Here is a simple pattern you can use any time in Holy Week or the Easter season.

Start with a short reading

Choose a few verses and read them aloud. For younger children, tell the story in your own words first. For older children, let them take turns reading. The Easter morning story in Matthew 28 and John 20 is a good place to begin. John 3:16 in the King James Version reads: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Ask three questions

One question about the story, one about feelings and one about daily life works well. For example: What happened? How do you think the people felt? How can we show kindness this week?

Say a short prayer

One or two sentences are plenty. Children can add their own thanks. Let a different person lead each day.

Do one small thing together

Plant a seed, write a thank you note, make a card for a neighbor or take a walk and look for signs of spring. A small action helps the idea stay with children.

Adjust for ages

Toddlers do well with a song and a picture. Children from five to nine can answer questions and draw. Older children and teens may like to choose the reading or ask their own questions.

Keep it flexible

Customs differ among families and churches. Use what fits your home. A missed day is fine.

Use cards to make it easy

If you would like a reading, three questions, a prayer and an activity ready to go, the Easter Family Devotion Cards give you 24 printable cards to use at your own pace.