Category: Family Devotionals

Aching Together, Hoping Together

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” —Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)

Families often experience the world’s brokenness in different ways—but the Holy Spirit brings unity in the waiting. Even in the groans, there’s a shared hope: redemption is coming.

When you don’t have the words, the Spirit still understands. He groans with you. And He reminds us that our adoption is sealed, and our forever with Jesus is worth the wait.

Family Talk:

When do you feel the weight of this broken world?

How can we remind each other of our hope in Christ?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank You for being with us in our groaning. Help our family to hold onto hope and trust in the redemption You are bringing. Amen.

A Family That Shines With Hope

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16

The world is waiting—not just for answers, but for the people of God to rise and shine with the hope of Christ. Your family, filled with the Holy Spirit, is part of that answer.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just surrendered. The Spirit uses families like yours to show a hurting world that God is near and restoration is coming.

Family Talk:

• What do you think it means for creation to “wait eagerly”?
• How can our family live in a way that shows the hope of Christ?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help our family to live with joyful hope. Let our home reflect the freedom and glory that all creation longs for. Amen.

Light in the Middle of Hard Times

Empowered: The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer devotional series

“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)

Every family goes through hard times—loss, stress, changes. The Holy Spirit wants us to know: these hard days are real, but they are not forever. Something greater is coming.

As a family, we’re not alone in our struggles. The Spirit strengthens us, helps us comfort one another, and keeps our eyes on what matters most—eternal life with Jesus.

Family Talk:

• What has been hard for our family recently?
• How can we keep encouraging each other with the hope of God’s glory?

Prayer:
Father, help our family to hold onto hope. Let Your Spirit keep our eyes on what is coming, not just what we’re facing now. Thank You that Your glory will be worth it all. Amen.

Heirs Together

Empowered: The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer devotional series

“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)

What does it mean to be “heirs with Christ”? It means everything Jesus has promised is ours too—eternal life, peace, joy, and one day, being with Him forever. But right now, we live in a broken world, and the journey includes struggle.

The Holy Spirit helps us see suffering differently: not as punishment, but as preparation for glory. As a family, we can walk through hardship together, confident that God is shaping us for something greater.

Family Talk:

• What does being an “heir of God” mean to you?
• How can we support each other when life gets hard?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling us into Your family. May we suffer with hope, love with courage, and trust the Spirit to lead us toward glory. Amen.

A Shared Assurance

Empowered: The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer devotional series

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NASB 1995)

In a world full of noise, the Holy Spirit gives a quiet, unshakable assurance: You are My child. As a family, we need to be reminded of this often—not because we forget God, but because we forget who we are.

When the Spirit testifies to one heart, He strengthens the whole home.

Family Talk:

• Can you remember a time when you felt God saying, “You’re Mine”?
• How can we help each other hold onto our identity in Christ?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Spirit who reminds us we belong to You. May our home be filled with that assurance every day. Amen.

We Cry ‘Abba!’ Together

Empowered: The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer devotional series

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” — Romans 8:15 (NASB1995)

Fear can shape how a home feels. But the Spirit reminds us: this family belongs to God.

Adoption means we’ve been brought into something secure, unshakable, and filled with love. As a family, we have the right to cry “Abba, Father” together—and know that God hears.

Let the tone of your home be shaped by adoption, not anxiety.

Family Talk:

• What are some fears we’ve faced as a family?
• How can we pray together as children of God?

Prayer:
Abba Father, thank You that our home belongs to You. Teach us to come to You first, together, when fear tries to sneak in. Amen.

Led as a Household of God

Being a child of God is a family identity—and being led by His Spirit should shape the culture of your home.

How does your family respond when faced with decisions or difficulties? Do you seek the Spirit’s guidance together?

This devotion is a reminder: God calls your family not only to believe—but to follow.

Family Talk:

• How can we learn to recognize the Spirit’s leading in our home?
• Is there an area we need to pray over as a family for His direction?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, lead our family. Help us slow down and listen to Your voice above all others. Amen.

Living a Spirit-Led Life Together

“…for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” — centered on Romans 8:13 (NASB1995)

The Christian life isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about choosing life. But every choice matters.

How does your family handle temptation? Do you talk about sin and the Spirit’s help?

This is a great day to remind each other that we don’t fight fleshly desires alone. We are Spirit-led, and that changes everything.

Family Talk:

• What’s one area we can help each other grow in?
• How can we remind each other to call on the Spirit when tempted?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help our family put off what is harmful and choose what gives life. Lead us together in obedience and joy. Amen.

Peace Begins in Our Minds

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (NASB1995)

What if every member of your family set their minds on the Holy Spirit today?

You’d find less arguing, more understanding. Less stress, more peace.

Talk together about how to redirect thoughts when you’re angry, stressed, or afraid—and how the Holy Spirit helps you do that.

Family Talk:

• What thoughts usually steal your peace?
• How can we remind each other to focus on the Spirit?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help our family train our thoughts. When our minds wander, bring us back to You—the source of life and peace. Amen.

The Spirit Says, “You’re Mine”

— based on Romans 8:16 (NASB1995):

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Sometimes even in a loving home, hearts can forget what’s true.

But the Holy Spirit testifies deep inside us: You are God’s children. That means we live from love, not for it.

As a family, let’s walk in that confidence—secure, joyful, and bold.

Family Talk:

• When do you need the reminder that you’re God’s child?
• How can our family encourage each other in our true identity?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for confirming that we are God’s children. Let our family rest in that truth and reflect it to the world. Amen.