Family Prayer Walks: Strengthening Faith and Connection with God

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Parenting Points

Finding time to connect with God as a family can be challenging in a world filled with busyness and distractions. However, one simple yet powerful way to nurture faith and strengthen bonds within the family is through prayer walks. By combining physical activity with spiritual reflection, family prayer walks offer a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with God and each other while experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

What is a Family Prayer Walk? A family prayer walk is an intentional time set aside for walking together as a family while engaging in prayer and conversation with God. It can take place in a variety of settings, such as a local park, a nature trail, or even around your neighborhood. The key is to intentionally incorporate prayer and reflection into the walk. Here are five tips for a meaningful family prayer walk:

  • Choose a Scenic Route: Select a location that offers scenic views or natural beauty to enhance the experience of prayer and reflection.
  • Set a Prayer Theme or Topic: Begin the walk with a specific intention or prayer focus. For example, you could spend one prayer walk focusing on God’s creation and praising Him for its beauty. You could spend a prayer walk around the neighborhood, praying for the neighbors whose houses you are passing. You could pray for a specific person, need, or upcoming event in your family.
  • Engage the Senses: Encourage family members to engage their senses by noticing the sights, sounds, and smells of nature around them and reflecting on how they reveal God’s glory.
  • Pray Aloud or Silently: Invite family members to pray aloud or silently as they feel led, allowing each person to express their thoughts, feelings, and desires to God. You may also want to walk in silence to listen to the world around you and the voice of God speaking to you.
  • Reflect and Share: At the end of the walk, reflect on the experience and share insights, prayers, and blessings with one another.

Family prayer walks offer a simple yet profound way for families to grow closer to God and each other plus you might get some steps in along the way. As you embark on this journey together, may you experience the joy of encountering God’s presence in the beauty of creation and the warmth of a shared experience of faith as a family together.

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

Hands Of Love. The Sun Is Our Power.

Parenting Points

In February, as love takes center stage with Valentine’s Day, let’s embark on a different kind of celebration—a celebration of kindness. Imagine a February where every day is an opportunity for your family to spread love through acts of kindness, both big and small. This month, let’s challenge ourselves and our families to make kindness a daily habit, reflecting the love that Jesus has shown us.

The Kindness Challenge is simple and powerful. Each day, commit as a family to performing an act of kindness for someone else. It could be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger. The goal is to spread the love of Jesus to others intentionally. Here are 10 acts of kindness ideas.

  • Write Encouraging Notes: Take the time to write notes of encouragement and leave them where others can find them.
  • Bake and Share Treats: Whip up some homemade treats and share them with your neighbors or coworkers.
  • Offer Help: Extend a helping hand to someone in need. You could help with groceries, chores, or any other task.
  • Compliment Freely: Be intentional to compliment those around you. A sincere compliment can brighten someone’s day.
  • Donate to Charity: Clean your closets and donate items to a local charity. It’s a great way to declutter while helping those in need.
  • Random Acts of Kindness: Perform random acts of kindness, like paying for someone’s coffee or leaving small surprises for family members.
  • Visit the Elderly: Spend time with elderly neighbors or residents at a local nursing home. Your company can be a source of joy.
  • Express Gratitude: Write thank-you notes to people who have positively impacted your life.
  • Volunteer as a Family: Dedicate a day to volunteer as a family. It’s a wonderful way to bond while giving back to the community.
  • Listen with Intent: Practice active listening. Give your full attention when someone is speaking and respond with kindness and empathy.

The Kindness Challenge cultivates a spirit of love and compassion in your family. As Christians, our faith teaches us the importance of love and kindness. Jesus, the embodiment of love, calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). By making kindness a daily practice, we emulate Christ’s teachings and contribute to creating a more compassionate and loving community. The ripple effect of such intentional acts of kindness extends beyond February, leaving a lasting impact on those around us.

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

mom and child looking at christmas tree

Parenting Points

As December approaches, Christians worldwide embark on a special journey of faith known as Advent. This season, lasting four weeks and leading up to Christmas, is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent offers a beautiful opportunity for families to draw nearer to God and one another as they prepare their hearts for the arrival of Christ.

The Meaning of Advent. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, Christians reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world, both in His historical birth in Bethlehem and in His future return. It’s a season of hope, love, joy, and peace.

Focuses of Advent. A word represents each week of Advent, and a corresponding candle of the Advent wreath is lit to remember the focus in worship services throughout the season. The central white candle of the Advent wreath is lit on Christmas Day.

Week 1: Hope. The first word of Advent is hope and reminds us of the anticipation of the Old Testament prophets for the Messiah’s coming.

Week 2: Love. The second word of Advent is love and reminds us of the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

Week 3: Joy. The third word of Advent is joy pointing to the joy the shepherds experienced at the birth of Jesus.

Week 4: Peace. The fourth word of Advent is peace reminding us of the angels’ proclamation of peace on earth.

Celebrating Advent with Your Family. Advent encourages families to come together in prayer, reflection, and anticipation. It’s a time to share stories, read scripture, and discuss the significance of Christ’s birth. You may want to look at the stories mentioned above for each week of Advent as a family. By focusing on hope, love, joy, and peace, Advent reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas lies not in the hustle and bustle of the season but in the humble arrival of the Savior. In celebrating Advent, families are not only preparing their homes for the birth of Christ but also their hearts. It’s a time of spiritual growth, nurturing faith, and fostering togetherness. As we journey through these weeks of anticipation, may we find the hope, love, joy, and peace that Christ’s coming brings and share these blessings as we long for Jesus’ second Advent.

Ben Birdsong -Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

sunset unsplash

Parenting Points

All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1, is significant for many Christians worldwide. It is a time for believers to honor and remember the lives of Christian heroes and role models who have left a lasting impact on our faith. We are encouraged to look and learn from the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV) as the author of the Hebrews encourages us. From their encouragement, we can more faithfully “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV).

In our current church environment, we have neglected to remember the stories of faithful people who have gone before us. The church’s history is filled with examples of martyrs who gave their lives faithfully following Jesus, other saints who lived their lives faithfully following Jesus, and missionaries who gave up their comforts to take the gospel to hard to reach places. We need to remember their stories and seek to learn from them. All Saints’ Day creates a space for Christian families to reflect on the lives of great Christian leaders, missionaries, theologians, and other influential figures. It’s a day to remember the likes of Saint Augustine, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther, Hudson Taylor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and countless others who have shaped the Christian faith and impacted the world through their lives.

The stories of those who have gone before us serve as roadmaps, illuminating the path of faith, love, compassion, and sacrifice. They remind our families that a life lived in service to God and humanity is a life truly well-lived. Even if November 1 has come and gone, take some time this November to connect your children to the stories of the saints who have gone before us. Do some quick online research to learn more about a person’s story and share it with your kids. Spend some time discussing the story with your family, seeking to understand how the person faithfully followed God in difficult moments. Then discuss what it would look like for you and your family to live out your faith daily. All Saints’ Day is a beautiful occasion to draw inspiration from the lives of those who dedicated themselves to Christ. As we honor these Christian heroes, let us strive to embody their faith and allow the Lord to use our family’s lives to make an impact for God’s kingdom.

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

bigstock Portrait Of A Happy Beautiful 463285677

Parenting Points 

Every year on October 31, many Christians worldwide commemorate Reformation Day. This day holds immense significance in Christian history, marking the anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. The event that triggered the Protestant Reformation.

Need for the Reformation. In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church held tremendous power and influence. However, it also faced growing corruption and moral decay. People like Martin Luther recognized the need for change within the church. When he nailed his document to the front door of the church, he was drawing the line and calling the church to repent and return to the Scriptures. The reformers sought to return to the fundamental teachings of the Bible and to restore the true essence of Christianity.

Biblical Foundations of the Reformation. The following are summary statements of the important truths that Martin Luther and the other reformers were calling the church to embrace:

  • Scripture Alone. The Bible is the Word of God and is the source of authority for the church.
  • Faith Alone. Salvation is a gift from God through faith and cannot be attained by good works.
  • Grace Alone. Salvation is by grace, which we cannot earn or deserve.
  • Christ Alone. Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
  • Glory to God Alone. All life should be lived for God’s glory.

Remembering the Reformation. With Reformation Day this October, you could teach your kids not only about an important moment in our Christian history but also the importance of standing for truth. You could discuss the importance of Scripture, faith, grace, Christ, and God’s glory with your kids. These important foundations help to frame the biblical foundation for the church’s teaching. You could use Martin Luther’s story as a character study for your kids. His boldness reminds us that even in challenging times, we may be called to stand up for what we believe in and work toward positive change. You could explore with your children what it looks like to stand up for truth and when they may be called to stand up for their beliefs. Though Reformation Day typically gets lost in Halloween, it can still be an important celebration for your family to help ground your kids both in Christian history and to encourage them to stand boldly for what they believe. We never know when the church may need another reformation.

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

2023 flyer pic

3rd Annual DTO Kickball Tournament Fundraiser to benefit local foster children and international orphans sponsored by Hamner Construction, LLC. Everyone can participate, have fun and help meet the needs of orphans and foster children at the same time.

Teams: Build your team and register for the double elimination kickball tournament. $125 team registration or $15 per pick-up player includes 2 opportunities to play and trophies. Pay at the church office, mail a check to CBC P.O. Box 697, Coaling, AL 35449, or pay online here. Build your teams, name your team and register by contacting Cherryn Murphy at 205-556-2775 or Travis Seagle at 205-394-2858 or email [email protected] by September 30, 2023.

Concessions will be available featuring Perfectly Blended BB1.  DTO t-shirts for sale and foster care and adoption information available. Monetary gifts are welcomed. All proceeds go to Defend the Orphans Ministry to help local foster children and international orphans. To make a tax deductible monetary donation mail a check to the church, drop off a check in the church office or follow this link to give then select the Defend the Orphans fund.

bigstock Little Boy Praying To God With 474874485

Parenting Points

Many followers of Jesus struggle with prayer and where to begin when teaching our kids. Often, we think of prayer as being formal and churchy and struggle to craft the eloquent prayers that we heard in church. It is hard for us to wrap our minds around having a conversation with an unseen God. We feel guilt that we don’t pray enough, yet we often don’t know where to begin. Our personal struggles with prayer lead us to not know where to even begin when it comes to teaching our kids to pray. In Luke’s gospel, the disciples ask Jesus how to pray (Luke 11:1). Jesus gave them what we have come to know as the Lord’s Prayer: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2b-4 ESV). From this model of prayer, we see several priorities to shape our prayers and teach our kids how to pray.

Lift God’s Name High. Prayer begins with God. He is our Father who has a great name that is worthy of praise. Prayer begins by lifting His name high.

Remember God’s Kingdom. The kingdom of God is at hand, and He is at work in and around us. Prayer reminds us that there is a greater kingdom and takes our hearts and minds from our kingdoms to His.

Share Your Personal and Spiritual Needs. What are your daily needs? God cares about our physical needs and seeks to provide for us. We are invited to live each day depending on His resources instead of simply relying on our own. Prayer then moves from physical needs to spiritual needs. We seek God’s forgiveness when we fail to follow Him and allow Him to change us to look more like Him.

Ask for God’s Presence and Protection. The prayer ends with a reminder that we need God to protect and guide us in a world that opposes us. He will be with us and protect us as we walk with Him.

Prayer is an invitation for dependence on God and a reminder of how much we need Him. The Lord’s Prayer becomes a tool to help us to teach our kids how to pray as we learn to depend on God ourselves through prayer.

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

bigstock Loving Grandparents Talking Wi 431323874

Special Feature

It is a documented fact. Today’s grandparents are more intellectually curious, tech-savvy, physically active, and creative than a generation ago. Dr. Gene Cohen states in his book The Creative Age, “Studies of aging are showing that the potential for creative expression in the 2nd half of life is not the exception but the rule. Creative expression occurs not despite aging but because of aging.”

When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus and said in Ephesians 2:10, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them,” the age of his audience was never specified. Every age is applied! As our grandchildren return to their learning environments, grandparents should lead the way to the joy of learning and of being a life-long student. 

As a grandparent consider:

  • Never stop dreaming. Never stop setting goals or planning personal and family adventures.
  • Gather and create a resource of beloved books to pass on to children and grandchildren.
  • Learn a new interest. Take a course of study. Learn a new hobby.
  • Travel to new places – near and far.

For the grandchild consider: 

  • Join or start a moms/grandmoms prayer group. Go to www.momsinprayer.org for information.
  • Volunteer to read in your grandchild’s classroom or school library.
  • Create a field trip matching what your grandchild is learning. Visit historical locations or museums.
  • Find out what they may be learning in history, science, or biology then research further to generate discussion.
  • Support your grandchild’s teacher. Send encouraging notes and prayerful thoughts. 
  • Volunteer to help with a craft or party around a holiday or special event.
  • Offer Carpool and after-school care. A great resource for car time can be found at www.backseatbiblenuggets.com. 

Whether homeschool, private or public education, the intentional Christian grandparent has a great deal to contribute to the balance and health of our grandchildren. Our families need us now more than ever as we navigate the educational systems of our culture. The enemy’s attacks against our children persist to waylay our families and God’s moral foundations. Grandparents can make a difference in their student life. Step up and step into your grandchildren’s education this school year. Don’t forget! Sunday, September 10, 2023 is National Grandparent Day- a call for Christian grandparents to pray and stand in the gap for their grandchildren and future generations.

-Cynthia Moss

Director of GrandLife-Grandparenting Ministry of Shades Mountain Baptist Church

[email protected]

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Parenting Points

Our world is marked by division. We all live in our separate camps based on similar views and values. These spaces become echo chambers where the same ideas circulate, and we can often forget that other people may see the world in totally different ways. We often reject relationships with people who are different than us. If we were to get on a plane and go on an international mission trip, we would not be surprised to experience a culture that didn’t fit well into our boxes and camps. We need to remember that our mission field isn’t just around the world but also every day in every place we go. If we decided to approach other people with the mindset of mission by not expecting people to think like us before we can love or befriend them, imagine how the walls of division could begin to come down. What could it look like for our families to approach people different from us with the mindset of mission?

Remember to Look for God’s Fingerprints. One of the beauties of creation is that God made people all different and in “His image” (Genesis 1:27 ESV). When we interact with people who likely believe differently, we must not forget that they are God’s special creations made in His image.

Listen to Another’s Perspective. By listening to someone else’s perspective, we put ourselves in the position of the learner. We want to learn someone’s story and perspective before trying to align them with our own. James’ words of wisdom help us frame our best approach: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19b ESV).

Look for Ways to Come Together. There is mercy and grace in common ground. When we seek to find the things that bring us together, we can see space for a relationship to form. Through relationships, we can grow in understanding, love, and compassion for other people. We may even realize that someone doesn’t have to totally agree with us to be our friend or even to follow Jesus faithfully. 

One of the distinguishing marks of the early church was their love for one another and the world. What impact could your family have if you value building relationships over being right? As Bob Goff reminds us in his book Love Does: “Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.” 

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

Father with daughter

Parenting Points

Doubts and questions from kids about faith are usually something that can strike fear into the heart of every parent. For the questions, the fear is not knowing the right answer. We dread having to explain that when it comes to faith, there are many things which we don’t have clear answers. For doubts, the fear is that our children will choose not to believe and walk with Jesus.

When these questions arise, our response to our kids is very important. Many likely grew up in church environments where we could not ask questions, express concerns, and wrestle with doubts. We were told to believe because that is what we should believe. For many children, these responses slammed the door on further conversation. Faith was defined as a place of clear canned answers that should be accepted without further conversation. These slamming-the-door responses to our kids do more harm than good. Research has shown that doubt is an important part of a child’s personal faith journey. Each person needs to wrestle with what they believe so that the faith that they have been taught from their parents can become their faith. Frequently, this happens through conversations involving questions and doubts.

In discussing effective faith transmission from parents to their kids, Duffy Robbins writes, “helping students to develop a real-life faith means helping students to flesh out their faith…to be put in a position that forces them to experience and explore their own faith in God.” Through doubts and questions, children are given the space to wrestle with their faith. In these moments, their faith can be strengthened even if the answers to the questions are that “we cannot understand God and His ways completely, but we know we can trust His heart to be faithful to us.” We need to create a safe space for their questions and doubts and be real with them about our struggles to believe and questions along the way. We can be faithful conversation partners for our kids as we seek to walk this road of faith together. Maybe our prayer for ourselves and our kids should be less for specific answers and like the man with the demon-possessed boy: “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24 ESV). Our God meets us and our children amid our questions and doubts. We may find that His presence and power is better than the best answers we may desire.

Ben Birdsong-Dr. Ben Birdsong 

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham 

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com


Duffy Robbins, The Ministry of Nurture: A Youth Workers Guide to Discipling Teenagers (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1990), 160.

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