The Bible mentions very little about King David’s mother. We know his father, Jesse, overlooked David when the prophet Samuel came in search of the prophesied new king. Jesse brought out all of his other sons to showcase before Samuel and didn’t think about his young boy out in the pastures tending the sheep. While we see the neglect from his family in the historical narrative of David’s life, his mother is neither mentioned nor named.

Only in an obscure scripture is David’s nameless mother brought to light. Psalm 86, a prayer of David, provides a window into his upbringing, with an intentional mother who passed on her faith to her son. She remains nameless, but the mark she left on her son was profound. David prayed:

“Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me because I serve you
just as my mother did.”

— Psalm 86:16

David’s mother served God. Through her example, her son also became God’s servant. History reveals the legacy of King David, who began his faith by observing his mother as a young boy. She is mentioned only once, but it showcases the power of faith passed down from generation to generation.

As parents, we want our children to love God. The same potential of passed-down faith exists in our own families today. Below are ways to cultivate an environment that nurtures faith in your children.

Loving your childen is the basis for faith. — Loving your children is the basis for faith.

1. Love.

Everything should start with love. Religion, rules, or teaching devoid of a loving relationship with your children can easily push children away from God. The foundation of all faith transfer is the loving connection you have with your children. Partner spiritual teaching with a love connection of quality time, affection, and words of affirmation.

2. Show by example.

Your example speaks louder than words. Take inventory of where you are at with your own faith. Write down some characteristics you want to instill in your children and evaluate if those characteristics are present in your own life. For example, do you want your child to be kind to others? Intentionally cultivate kindness in the home. Do you want them to know how to hear from God? Fine-tune your own spiritual ears. Do you want them to pray? Ensure you’re praying for them out loud so they can hear you.

3. Have a devotional life that is visible to your children

The habit of a devotional life can be passed down from parent to child based on example. At a young age, a child observes the habits of parents. Your child notices the Bible being opened and underlined. They soak in the sound of worship. They hear you when you pray. Setting aside time with God enhances your spiritual health and creates an example for your children to follow.

4. Start a family devotional time.

Family devotional times are beautiful times of connection with God and each other. Children learn how to connect with God within the context of family. A mom and dad inviting the child to pray, read, and discuss the Bible with them makes a profound impact on your children. Family devotional times bring unity of focus with God as the center.

5. Take your children to church.

God created us to be in community. Just like animals in a herd are stronger than when they stray by themselves, we are stronger in a group than when we are isolated. Church provides a community of common faith that can bring purpose, joy, and strength into your family life. Sunday school is a great place where your children can make friends with other kids whose families share common values with your own.

6. Include your children in outreaches.

When you make time to help others, your life takes on a new level of impact. Taking children along when you help others teaches them the importance of making a difference in the world. This doesn’t mean you need to book a trip to India to help orphans (although that would be cool). It starts with making a meal for the next-door neighbor, writing a card to an elderly person, or attending a church outreach that feeds the homeless. Involve your kids in small acts of kindness. It will teach them the joy of serving others.

As parents, we have been given a unique opportunity to pass down our faith to the next generation and raise up leaders who know and love God. We should be intentional with this calling. Your child just might be the next leader with a heart like David.

6 Tips to Passing Down Faith to Your Children