A Christian app for a simple family Bible habit

Make room for this reading habit

Family schedules leave different amounts of time for reading. Start with a moment you can usually share, even if it is brief. A child might retell part of a story or draw while someone reads aloud. Adjust the reading to the attention and understanding of the people taking part.

Read the story in advance so you can explain unfamiliar words. Give everyone room to ask a question, including a question you cannot answer immediately. You can look at the Bible passage together and return to a difficult part at another reading.

How Devotionals helps

• Daily readings for parents' own devotional time.
• Children's material to preview for a shared reading.
• The Bible for reading the story's Scripture reference together.
• Audio for supported material when listening suits the household.

Try a simple reading practice

Read Mark 10:13–16 together. Ask what the adults do and how Jesus responds to the children. A younger child might draw a scene or retell a part that stood out. Talk about someone who is often left out of a game or conversation and how you could welcome them.

1. Preview a reading or story and consider whether it suits your children.
2. Choose a short passage and explain unfamiliar words.
3. Ask a question that leaves room for each person's response.
4. Pray together and decide when you can read again.

Read with Devotionals

Parents can find their own daily readings and children's material in the same app. Select the content for the people taking part and read it together. Devotionals is a reading resource with children's content, rather than an interactive game or a complete curriculum for each age. Some additional family content requires a subscription; check the selected material's access in the app. Devotionals is available for iPhone and iPad on the App Store or Android on Google Play.

In the app

1. On Today, look for available children’s material and preview a reading before sharing it with your family.
2. Choose a passage you can read together. Pause for your child’s questions and check whether the selected material requires a subscription.

Questions before you begin

Is Devotionals suitable for family reading?

Parents can use daily readings, Bible passages and children's material for a shared devotional. Preview the content and adapt it to your children's understanding.

Can children use it without an adult?

The family practice described here uses an adult to select and discuss the material. Readings in the wider app are also written for adults.

Are children's stories free?

Some children's content requires a subscription. Check the selected material and current purchase terms in the app.

How long should family devotions take?

Begin with the time your household can share. Read a short passage and leave time for a question or prayer. You can adjust the length after trying it together.

Related ways to read

• A Bible app for kids’ stories and parent-led conversation
• A daily devotional app for a steady Bible habit
• A Bible study app for reading, reflection and notes
• A Sabbath School app for study throughout the week