Open Hearts, Shared Faith—Simple Practices for Families
Bible Verse
14 One of them was Lydia, who was from the city of Thyatira and sold expensive purple cloth. She was a worshiper of the Lord God, and he made her willing to accept what Paul was saying. Acts 16:14
Memory Verse: One of them was Lydia, who was from the city of Thyatira and sold expensive purple cloth. She was a worshiper of the Lord God, and he made her willing to accept what Paul was saying. Acts 16:14
Have you ever wondered how to explain the Holy Spirit to children? Or how to help them recognize when God nudges their heart? The story of Lydia in Acts 16 gives us a beautiful example of how faith can begin with one heart and ripple through a whole household. Lydia’s story reminds us that sharing faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start right at home, with everyday spiritual practices that invite the Holy Spirit to lead the way. Let’s look at a few easy, meaningful ways your family can grow in faith together—right in the middle of everyday life.
1. Story Sharing: Make It Personal and Visual
- Read Acts 16:11–15 with your child. Then ask, “What do you think Lydia felt when she heard Paul talk about Jesus?” Let their imagination guide the conversation.
- Create a “Heart Opener” craft—cut out paper hearts and write or draw moments when you felt close to God or sensed you should do something kind or brave. Hang them where your family gathers.
2. Spirit-Sensing Conversation Starters
- During family meals or bedtime, ask: “Did anyone feel a little nudge from God today?”
- Model it by sharing your example: “I kept thinking about someone who needed encouragement today. I think that was God helping me listen.”
3. Family Invite Challenge
- Help your child think of one person—maybe a friend, relative, or neighbor—to whom they could tell something true about God.
- Practice what they might say: “I think Jesus loves you a lot,” or “Can I tell you a story from the Bible I like?” Keep it natural and simple.
4. Worship Together in Simple Ways
- Try turning on a worship song while getting ready in the morning or winding down at night. Ask your child, “What part of this song makes you think of God’s love?”
- Music opens hearts too. Even dancing in the kitchen can become a moment of joy-filled praise.
You don’t have to be a Bible expert or have all the answers to guide children in their faith. Sometimes the most powerful spiritual moments happen when we admit we’re still learning. My child once asked me, “How do I know when it’s God talking?” Instead of trying to have all the answers right away, we just paused together, prayed, and wondered about it. That simple moment of listening and trusting God’s presence stayed with both of us.
Lydia’s heart opened when she heard the message of Jesus, and her whole household joined in. As you practice sharing faith at home, remember that spiritual moments don’t have to be big or perfect to be powerful. They just need to be open. This week, try one simple spiritual practice together as a family. You might read a Bible story, pray at a new time, sing a song, or share where you noticed God today. May your family’s faith grow through small nudges, Spirit-led conversations, and everyday invitations to follow Jesus.
Tanya Yuen
Tanya Yuen is a pastor who serves in the denominational office of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec with the privilege of supporting pastors in children and family ministry. She also gets to spend time in Muskoka at Camp Kwasind in the summer, sharing about Jesus with kids. She is mom to 3 girls and together with her husband, Alfred. They spend as much time as possible hiking the trails around the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario.
