Struggling to lead daily devotions when I'm exhausted

May 61 min read

I want to be the spiritual leader of my household like I'm supposed to be but I'm working 10 hour days and by the time we get through dinner and homework I am WIPED. My wife suggested we just do bedtime prayers instead of a full family devotion. Part of me feels like that's settling but another part knows that a tired grumpy dad forcing a devotion isn't actually leading anyone spiritually. How do other guys balance this? Should I wake up earlier or am I overthinking a situation where something is better than nothing?

12 comments221 views

Comments(12)

PPhilRegularMay 8

Have you tried doing devotions together as a family in the morning instead? My kids are more engaged at breakfast anyway, and it's one less thing hanging over my head at the end of the day when I'm already wiped.

DDanielRegularMay 8

Real talk, 10 hour days and trying to be the spiritual leader is a lot for one person. Maybe devotions don't have to be long. Five minutes before bed counts. Keep it simple when you're exhausted.

RRob H.RegularMay 8

I hear you. When I was working full-time I tried the same thing and honestly I was too wiped out by 7pm to lead anything meaningful. Switched to Sunday mornings when I had more energy and it felt less forced. Might be worth trying a different time instead of abandoning the goal.

MMiguelRegularMay 7

What if you shortened it? Five minutes before bed instead of a full devotion. My 6 year old engages more with a quick read anyway than when I try to drag it out and he can tell I'm exhausted.

FFrank D.RegularMay 6

Man, I get this. We're brand new to the dad thing and I'm already wondering how we're gonna manage all of it. Maybe devotions don't have to be perfect or long, right? Even five minutes counts.

BBrad T.New DadMay 6

Ten hour days are rough. You're doing the spiritual leading just by showing up and trying, even if it's not some formal devotion every night. Don't beat yourself up too much.

DDerek S.RegularMay 7

Man this is the struggle. I work 10 hour days too and some nights I just read the kids a Bible story instead of trying to have deep discussion. Maybe that still counts? They're still hearing the message even if I can barely keep my eyes open.

DDerekNew DadMay 7

You're doing more than a lot of dads just by trying. Spiritual leadership isn't about being perfect or having energy for big productions. My kids remember when I'm present way more than when I nail some perfect devotion time.

CChris R.RegularMay 7

I get the exhaustion part. What if you switched it up? Instead of formal devotions, what if you just talked about God stuff while driving or doing chores together? Doesn't have to be scheduled.

RRob H.RegularMay 7

Being exhausted doesn't make you less of a spiritual leader. Sometimes just being present with your kids is the devotion. I used to stress about doing it 'right' but my oldest just wants time with me, however that looks.

RRob H.RegularMay 7

Have you thought about rotating it with your wife or partner? Sharing the responsibility took so much pressure off me trying to be the sole spiritual leader. We alternate weeks now.

PPedroRegularMay 7

Man, I feel this hard. Working 10 hours and trying to be present spiritually is a lot. What helped me was making it shorter but consistent. Even 5 minutes before bed with the kids talking about their day and saying something we're grateful for counts. Quality over length, you know?