Are your kids unsettled at night or afraid to go to sleep?

One of the activations I have always done with my children before they go to bed, is a game called “The Heaven Game”.  It really brings peace to their hearts and helps them to focus on the Lord instead of their fears or concerns.

So much of our lives are spent imagining things. But most of the time we are imagining things that can go wrong, a fear that may never happen, a tragedy that most likely will never occur. Imagination is not wrong – but we use it often to imagine the wrong things and our kids can too.

In Romans 12:1 we are instructed to “Be transformed by the renewing of our minds”. To change what we think about, can bring amazing transformation to our minds and hearts.

With the Heaven Game, we are putting into practice Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”.

Begin by putting your child into bed and ask them to take some deep, slow breaths to relax.

Next, let them know that Jesus is standing next to them. He is holding out his hand! He is saying “would you like to come on a journey with me while you sleep?”

Encourage the child to take Jesus hand.

Now Jesus is taking them through space and on the way to Heaven. Sometimes they may imagine that they are riding an eagle with Jesus, or in a rocket ship of some sort.

In the distance, your child can see a planet. It’s getting closer – it’s Heaven!

Jesus and your child arrive in the most beautiful place, it’s the gates of Heaven, and Jesus is opening the door.

Now that you have guided your child to imagine being with Jesus and visiting heaven, encourage them to walk through the gates, and begin by asking some questions:

1. What is Jesus showing you?
2. What is he saying?
3. Is there somewhere he is taking you to play? Tell me all about it!

This exercise is a wonderful way to help our kids think on good and pure things, and learn to be attentive to the voice of Jesus. I pray today that your child will encounter the Lord in fresh and new ways that brings revelation and comfort to their hearts, as they imagine God’s love for them with “The Heaven Game”.