7 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center When School Takes Over

God doesn’t want to be treated like one more thing to do. He wants to be the thing everything else centers around.

But I gotta be honest, that’s trickier when school starts. Our day kicks off at 6 AM and doesn’t pause until 11 PM on a good day. Between homework, carpools, work, and practices, it’s easy for Jesus to get pushed to the margins.

Our schedule isn’t that unique either. Most families today are running the same race. Thankfully, God shows up in the busy. These simple practices create sacred spaces in your family’s everyday life, helping you live out Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

1. Turn drive time into God time.

While previous generations spent hours with family in the den or kitchen, today’s families consistently gather in cars, minivans, or SUVs as we cart kids from one thing to another. So instead of letting car rides become dead zones of silence or screens, use that time to pray (or talk about things you can be praying about) or listen to worship music.

This doesn’t need to be some formal, organized prayer meeting or Bible study. That’s not the vibe at all. Instead, it can look like saying, “I’m praying for you about your test today,” or asking, “What can we do to help your friend’s mom who is sick?” or even “I love that God created sunsets. The one tonight is stunning!”

2. Claim one meal each week as sacred space.

As our kids get older, it can be increasingly challenging to eat dinner together. With extracurricular activities, study groups, work meetings (or work for your teens!), family members often find themselves pulled away from eating together. But eating dinner (or lunch or breakfast) as a family matters. So, choose one meal each week and guard it fiercely. No phones, no rushing, no distractions. You can even keep the day flexible from week to week as schedules change.

Begin this meal with prayer and gratitude. Share highs and lows from the week. Ask each family member, “What’s one thing that happened today that you think made God smile?” or “Who showed you kindness today, or how did you show kindness to someone else?”

3. End each day by thanking God together.

Psalm 92:1-2 reminds us, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” Ending the day with gratitude helps your family fall asleep focused on God’s goodness and mercy rather than worrying about tomorrow.

Try this at bedtime: Ask each person to name one thing they’re thankful for from the day, such as a good grade, a new friend, or even just making it through a hard moment. You’ll be surprised how often this small moment shifts the whole family’s perspective from the day’s stress to God’s faithfulness.

4. Start with Jesus, not your screen.

I admit that I often struggle to put my phone down after turning off my alarm. My calendar, email, and to-do lists tempt me to scroll through quickly before my head lifts off the pillow (and definitely before my eyes lift toward Jesus). However, I found that on the days I win that battle and focus on Jesus first, my heart and mind are more settled during the morning rush to get to school. And my attitude impacts my family.

Give it a try. Before diving into your day’s agenda, take a moment to acknowledge who’s truly in control. A quick, “Thank you for today, Jesus,” and reading a verse-of-the-day focuses your mind on the only One who matters.

5. Guard your family’s Sabbath reset.

Our culture treats Sunday like any other day for sports, shopping, and catching up on work. So, protecting the Sabbath becomes a countercultural act of faith, whether you practice holy rest on Saturday or Sunday (or another day of the week). But intentional rest and worship reset your family’s spiritual rhythm. Plus, God designed us to need it. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

Whether your Sabbath includes church attendance, family walks, board games, or simply saying no to the usual hustle, create space for your family to remember who you are and whose you are.

6. Put down devices to pick up God’s presence.

Technology isn’t evil, but it can easily crowd out opportunities for (and distract us from) spiritual connection as a family. Establish device-free zones and times when your family looks to each other and God instead of screens. This might be the first hour after school, during meals, or the last 30 minutes before bed.

When devices are down, conversation flows more naturally. Kids are more likely to share struggles, ask questions, or simply enjoy being present together (with an occasional bout of boredom!).

7. Pray over your week before it happens.

Sunday evenings or Monday mornings, pray over the upcoming week. Pray for each person’s specific challenges, celebrate upcoming opportunities, and ask God to be present in every detail. Pray over test prep, tests, papers, assignments, practices, tryouts, sleepovers, football games, and everyday interactions. And pray for the things that you don’t even know will take place, but God does. Thank Him in advance for His provision, protection, and guidance.

Let your family know when you plan to pray so they can share any specific requests. Or even better, invite them to join you. We leave a journal in the kitchen where our kids can write down their requests throughout the week. Find what works for your family in your current season.