Family Open-Heart Session
A framework for slowing down, asking deeper questions, and practicing emotional and spiritual connection as a family.
1) Purpose
To create dedicated space for honest dialogue where every family member feels heard and valued. True success in life flows from ideas, emotions, and desires that first find connection in the family, and then extend outward.
2) Preparation
Timeframe:
Small families: 2–4 hours.
Larger families: 4–6 hours with breaks.
Distractions: Phones silenced, TV/radio off, pets set aside.
Music: Optional soft worship or instrumental playlist (prepared in advance).
Materials: Timer, notebook, water.
3) Roles
Facilitator: Usually the father or a designated adult. They guide the process, but they are also a full participant in the sharing.
Participants: Every family member, including the leader.
4) Ground Rules
Each person has up to 5 minutes per response.
No rebuttals, debating, or “fixing” during someone else’s share.
Ask questions with an open heart, listen with patience.
Expect both positive and negative emotions to surface.
Breaks are welcome if the session is long—don’t rush deep work.
5) Session Flow
A. Welcome & Prayer (5–10 min)
Facilitator opens with prayer and reviews ground rules.
B. Warm-Up (10 min)
Each person shares one word that captures how they’re arriving.
C. Round One — Group Feedback (60–120 min)
Each family member, in turn, asks the whole group these two open-ended questions:
“How have my actions and attitudes made you feel?”
“What can I do to make you feel special and loved?”
Focus is on general experiences, not just the past week.
Everyone responds to the person asking, one at a time.
Highlight both positive and negative emotions.
Examples of Feeling Words:
Positive: supported, joyful, appreciated, safe, understood.
Negative: ignored, pressured, hurt, lonely, criticized, anxious.
Goal: identify highlighted emotions that reveal what truly matters to each person.
D. Leader’s Check-In Round (30–45 min)
The facilitator asks each member individually:
How are work/school and daily responsibilities going?
How is your relationship with God and the Holy Spirit?
How are your friendships developing?
How is your physical and mental health?
What are two specific prayer needs right now?
Important: After asking each family member, the leader also answers these same questions for themselves. This reinforces that they are part of the family unit, not just the guide.
E. Quiet Reflection (5 min)
Silent listening: “Holy Spirit, what are You showing me about myself?”
F. Closing Prayer (15–25 min)
Each member prays (2–5 minutes), asking forgiveness where needed and blessing others.
G. Gentle Debrief (10 min)
Two prompts:
“What did I hear today that I want to remember?”
“One practical thing I’ll do moving forward.”
6) Scripture Anchors
Romans 7:7–25 — Honest struggle with sin.
Romans 8:1–13 — Life and peace in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:13–25 — Fruit of the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:10–20 — Armor of God.
Philippians 4:5–7 — Peace of God in prayer.
Philippians 2:12–13 — God works in our will and actions.
7) Follow-Up Practices
Each member commits to one act of care mentioned during the session.
Mid-week prayer/text check-in: “How can I pray for you today?”
Revisit one scripture together and share reflections.