Do you want to be more intentional about bringing God into your home this year?

For many, the “want” to bring God into the home is there. Funny enough, even as Christians, it can feel like an awkward thing to do. However, there are ways that you can ease into this that feel very natural.

Read below for six ways to naturally bring God into your home.

1. Display Christian notes, wall hangings or décor around the house.
When you find a Bible verse that has meaning, or there’s a Christian message that you just need to hear or see repeatedly, write it down and put it somewhere you, and others, will see it every day. Stick it on the bathroom mirror, the bedside table, the refrigerator, or wherever you and your family members will frequently see it. This can spark conversation with your significant other, your children and even your guests.

There are also more artistic wall hangings with bible verses and Christian messages that can be found at stores like Hobby Lobby or several places online that have bible verse printables that you can order and frame. What a great message to all who see it. Let the versus work their way into daily conversation or talk at the dinner table. trigger conversation with several people who visit us. My favorite is a painted, wooden sign with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

2. Keep your Bible in a visible location.
Keep a bible on the kitchen counter, the middle of the dining room table, or some place that you can see it and have it handy to grab and read from. Be intentional about reading it. There are several great Bible or Bible in One Year apps that can help you start and stick with a reading plan. Many offer helpful commentary as well.

3. Read Christian books to your children (or grandchildren).
Along with keeping your Bible visible, find some Christian, children’s books keep them out where they can be seen and read them often. Our son’s current favorite is the story of David and Goliath. There are so many Christian, children’s books to choose from. They can be simple and sweet and some of them only take five minutes to read; definitely time well spent.

4. Pray together often!
I have a magnetic marker board on my fridge that says “Pray for:” at the top. Next to it I keep a dry erase marker. We are constantly updating our prayer list. What an amazing way to include your family in an activity that is both meaningful and powerful. Make it a habit to say the common table prayer (or other prayer) before every meal. It may take a little time to develop the habit, but with consistent effort, it will soon be a regular part of everyone’s day.

5. Listen to Christian music.
Our family likes to dance and listen to music. So, while we make supper or do chores, I often play Christian music. You may be thinking that Christian music is old and outdated; however, there are lots of really great contemporary artists such as the Newsboys, Matthew West, or Lauren Daigle. If you aren’t sure where to find good Christian music, you can check out K-Love online (or download their app) and stream Christian music live. It has minimal commercial breaks and inspirational scripture and stories.

6. Wear Christian clothing or jewelry.
With the ability to shop online, the possibilities for cute, Christian clothing or jewelry are endless. From Etsy to Amazon you can find just about anything for you and your family members. One of my favorite sweatshirts says “Faith,” but the wording is in the shape of a cross. My husband has a simple, silver cross on a black chord that he likes to wear out. Not only are these items a visible reminder for others, but also a great reminder of God’s love for you.

Hopefully these ideas can be useful in your household, and maybe they even sparked a new idea for you. Just bring God along as you go throughout your day, and you’ll soon see the simple ways that God can be brought into your household. Dance to a song. Read to your kids. Or wear that cross necklace. What great ways to remind us, and those that live with us, that He is always there for us.

Bethany Kuhlmann, DCE
Congregational Services – Lutheran Family Service