Use the following thoughts and questions to have a spiritual conversation as a family. Don’t emphasize having the right answer, but focus on spending time discussing the Word as a family.
SCRIPTURE
2 Samuel 7:8-16
Session Summary
David wanted to honor God by building a home for the ark of the covenant, which represented God’s presence among the Israelites. What David wanted to do was honorable, but God didn’t allow him to build the temple. David had been a warrior king, and the one who would build the temple would be king in a time of peace. Instead of David having the honor of building a place for the ark to dwell, his son, Solomon, would have the honor.
Conversation Questions
• How has God been faithful to our family in the past? Why do you think this is so helpful for us to remember as we approach the future?
• What promises of God does our family rely on in times of need and difficulty?
• God doesn’t need us. How does this truth help our family cultivate humility?
• Make a list of things our family is grateful for. How does this gratitude encourage us to follow God on mission?
Family Challenge
Grab a jar, and cut up small slips of paper that you can write on. Leave a pen and the slips of paper beside the jar. As a family, come up with different things you’re each thankful for. Write down one item each and place those papers in the jar.
Then, each time someone in the family walks by the jar, they should write out one thing they’re thankful for, fold the paper, and place it inside the jar. When the jar is full, or when the family has had a rough day, grab the jar and read through each piece of paper together.