I’d like to have a small situational catechism to occasionally use with my children in some common situations. I think it would be helpful to have consistent and biblical reminders of God’s purposes and God’s goodness in these things. In some cases (e.g., discipline, where a formal pattern can be at odds with the goal of a tender heart) these serve more as a loose guide to me than as strict memory work. Please contact me if you have suggestions for improving or correcting this (e.g., how I might be more consciously Trinitarian here), or if you have suggestions for additional life situations.
Where did our food come from?
God provided for our food.
Why did God provide for our food?
God loves us and cares for us by providing for all of our needs.
How shall we thank God?
We thank God by our words, and by enjoying our food as a gift from him. Thank you, God!
What is today?
Today is the Lord’s day, Sunday.
Why is this day special?
God gives us a day of rest as a gift; to remind us that Jesus is victorious risen Lord of all creation; and to give us hope that some day we will enjoy rest with him forever.
What do we do on the Lord’s day?
On the Lord’s day we love to worship God together as his people.
Why is it so good to worship God together?
Long ago, people feared to draw near to God. But because of Jesus’s death, we now enjoy God’s nearness at all times, and especially when his people gather together.
Why do we read God’s word?
We love to read God’s word because it is our life and truth.
What does God’s word teach us?
God’s word teaches us about himself, how good and merciful he is; it teaches us that we are sinners who need a savior; and it teaches us how we are to live, trusting in God.
How do we read God’s word?
The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s word and to trust and obey it. Holy Spirit, please help me!
Who do you trust in?
I trust in God!
God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For what do you trust in God our Father?
God is my Father. He loves me, watches over me, cares for me, and provides for me. Thank you, Father!
For what do you trust in Jesus the Son?
Jesus is my Savior. He died to take away my sin, give me his righteousness, and make me part of God’s family. Now he prays for me. Thank you, Jesus!
For what do you trust in the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit gives me life by uniting me with Jesus; helps me to trust and obey God; and helps me to grow to be more like Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit!
How do you trust in God?
Need to flesh out simply what it means to walk in faith at all times, in prayer and in life.
Why does God love you?
Need to flesh out that this is not because of our obedience, but that he has chosen to save us and to be our father.
Why do you obey God?
Need to flesh out that this is not to earn his favor, but because it pleases him and because we love him.
Who made [that]?
God made [that].
Why did God make [that]?
God made [that] to display his beauty and his glory.
Why does it work the way it does?
God is in authority over all things and he has decreed it.
Does God know when you are hurting or disappointed?
Yes, God knows and sees everything.
Does God understand your pain and disappointment?
Yes, Jesus lived as a man and he experienced every kind of pain and disappointment.
Why does God bring pain and disappointment into our lives?
God loves us and he is drawing us to trust him more and more. God gives us many good and happy gifts but he wants to remind us that Jesus is more wonderful and good than anything else.
To be completed.
See also Catechisms.