A Christian Child's Daily Devotion

The devotion begins with the foundational Christian act of confession, faith, and remembrance of Holy Baptism:

The Sign of the Cross: The sign of the holy cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

This section reviews the simplest and most necessary parts of Christian doctrine, often referred to as the Catechism. This instruction, when done word for word and repeatedly, helps instill the divine message.

Kneeling or standing, recite these fundamental parts:

1. The Ten Commandments (The Law): To know what God requires of you.

I. Thou shalt have no other gods.

II. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.

III. Thou shalt sanctify the holy-day.

IV. Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother.

V. Thou shalt not kill.

VI. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

VII. Thou shalt not steal.

VIII. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

IX. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.

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2. The Creed (The Faith): To confess the work of the Triune God, which is a short rule of faith.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

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3. The Lord's Prayer (The Prayer): The perfect prayer given by Christ.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

(It is sometimes helpful to add supplemental readings from the Catechism for discussion.)

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we cannot believe in You by our own reason or strength or come to You, but Your Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, sanctified and kept us in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with You in the one true faith. In this Christian Church, the Holy Spirit daily and richly forgives us all our sins. On the Last Day, He will raise all the dead and give all of us who believe in You eternal life. For this we praise You and implore You according to Your promise to send us the Comforter that we might continue firm in this confession. For You live and reign with Him and the Father, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Catechism source: bookofconcord.org

Prayer is an obligation commanded by God, and through it, we honor His name. Using a set form for prayer encourages children to call upon God with cheerfulness and confidence.

Pray the following general devotion, focusing on giving thanks and seeking protection and guidance for the day:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have protected me from all danger and harm; and I pray You to preserve and keep me this day also, from all sin and evil; that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds, I may serve and please You. Into Your hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Your holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.