Introduction
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to overlook the spiritual significance of family mealtime. As Christian women and mothers, we have the opportunity to transform ordinary dinners into sacred moments that invite Jesus to the table. Gathering as a family for dinner provides a unique chance to not only nourish our bodies but also our spirits, growing closer to one another and to Christ.
In this post, we’ll explore 5 tips for having family dinner with Jesus regularly. By incorporating Jesus into your family dinners regularly, allowing these moments to become more intentional and spiritually enriching for everyone at the table.
Why Bringing Jesus to the Table Matters
In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Family dinners are an opportunity to gather in His name, inviting Him to join the conversation, the laughter, and the prayers. As mothers, leading our families in Christ-centered mealtimes encourages a deeper connection with God, promotes biblical values, and sets an example for our children.
The table is more than a place to share food—it’s a space to share life. Let’s dive into some practical ways to make Jesus a central part of these sacred family moments.
Begin with Prayer
One of the simplest and most powerful ways to bring Jesus to the family dinner table is by starting with prayer. Praying together before meals creates a spiritual foundation for the evening and reminds everyone that God is the true provider.
Encourage each family member to take turns praying, whether it’s thanking God for the food, asking for guidance, or praising Him for the day’s blessings. This teaches children the importance of gratitude and helps to center the family’s focus on Christ.
Tip: If you have young children, start with short and simple prayers. You can also create a “prayer jar” where everyone writes down a prayer request and pulls one out to pray before dinner.
Read Scripture Together
Incorporating scripture into your family dinner routine is a beautiful way to keep Jesus at the center of your meals. Consider reading a short Bible passage or a verse of the day after saying grace. This can spark meaningful conversations about how to apply biblical principles in everyday life.
Choose scriptures that are relevant to your family’s current season, or simply work your way through a specific book of the Bible together. The key is to create an atmosphere of learning and reflection, using God’s Word as nourishment for your souls.
Tip: Place a small Bible or a devotional book at the center of the table to serve as a visual reminder to include scripture in your dinner routine.
Share Highs and Lows of the Day
Dinner is a perfect time for the family to reconnect and share about their day. A great way to do this while keeping Jesus involved is by sharing “highs and lows” at the table. Each person can share one highlight of their day (a “high”) and one challenge (a “low”), while reflecting on how they saw God working in both moments.
This practice not only encourages openness but also helps family members recognize God’s presence in both the good and the difficult parts of life. It’s a wonderful opportunity to remind one another that Jesus is with us in every moment, both big and small.
Tip: As your family shares their highs and lows, follow up by praying specifically for any challenges mentioned and thanking God for the blessings experienced.
Create a “Thankfulness Tradition”
Gratitude is a powerful way to invite Jesus into your family dinners. Create a tradition where, at each meal, everyone shares something they are thankful for. This can be a specific blessing from the day or something ongoing that they appreciate in their life.
Fostering a spirit of thankfulness helps everyone focus on God’s provision and goodness, shifting the conversation away from complaints or distractions and toward a mindset of gratitude. Over time, this practice will deepen your family’s awareness of God’s presence and blessings.
Tip: You can make this even more fun by having a “thankfulness jar” where each person writes down their gratitude for the day. Read through these notes at the end of the week to reflect on God’s faithfulness.
End with a Family Blessing
Before leaving the dinner table, consider closing the meal with a family blessing or prayer of thanks. This could be a simple, spoken blessing that asks for God’s protection, guidance, and peace for each family member. It can also be a time to remind one another that Jesus walks with them, not only during dinner but throughout the rest of the day and week.
Ending the meal with a family blessing reinforces the idea that Jesus is at the center of your family’s life and helps set a spiritual tone for the evening.
Tip: You can create a special family blessing that everyone memorizes or write it together as a family. This can become a cherished tradition over time.
Summary
Bringing Jesus to the family dinner table doesn’t have to be complicated. Through simple practices like prayer, reading scripture, sharing highs and lows, expressing gratitude, and closing with a blessing, your meals can become moments of spiritual growth and connection. As Christian women and mothers, creating space for Jesus at the table allows your family to not only nourish their bodies but also their spirits, drawing closer to each other and to Christ.
By using these 5 Tips for Having Family Dinner with Jesus regularly, you’ll build a strong foundation of faith that will benefit your family for years to come.
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