Building a Family of Faith: Simple and Fun Devotions to Draw You Closer to Each Other and Nearer to God

Pastor Dooley (Walk in Faith) delivers a competent, family-centric devotional. Addressing parents hoping to bond with their children over faith, Dooley expounds on 52 Bible passages, relating them to personal anecdotes and distilling their lessons on pride, self-control, and joy. To teach patience, the author quotes from Isaiah and tells how he encourages his children to save up if they want to buy toys, suggesting that if a desired outcome doesn’t happen on one’s preferred timeline, it’s a sign that “God has something better for you.” Dooley recounts his father’s death from Covid-19 and urges readers to trust God even in times of loss, recommending that parents check in with their children about how they’re feeling and help them process grief. The prayers are simple and direct (“Thank you for your overwhelming, selfless love”), and the activities that close each chapter offer sensible ways for parents to engage their children in faith, as when he recommends that family members choose a prayer partner (either a spouse or sibling) with whom they can periodically discuss the struggles of their “walk with Christ.” Straightforward advice makes for a standard program for parents looking to strengthen their children’s Christian faith. (Nov.)