Tips for Creating a Slow and Meaningful Good Friday
Good Friday is a special day in the Christian calendar. It’s a day for reflection, gratitude, and connection—with God, your loved ones, and the sacrifice that changed everything.
In the hustle of life, it’s easy to let meaningful traditions slip away, but Good Friday offers a beautiful opportunity to pause, slow down, and honor the day intentionally.
Here’s how you can create a meaningful Good Friday routine centered on faith, family, and a little food to bring it all together.
1. Start Early with a Dawn Prayer Tradition
There’s something so peaceful about rising before the world stirs and spending those quiet moments with the Lord. Consider starting a family tradition of dawn prayer on Good Friday.
Whether you gather around the dining table, sit on the porch with coffee, or kneel in the living room, begin the day in reflection and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.
You could read from the Psalms or meditate on passages like Isaiah 53, which prophesied the suffering of the Messiah. Keep it simple but intentional.
Even little ones can join in by lighting candles or drawing crosses on paper to symbolize the light and hope of the resurrection to come.
What’ll you need:
- Prayer Journal – Perfect for organizing your thoughts and prayers.
- Beautiful Flameless Candles – A soothing addition to your dawn prayers, these candles look simply gorgeous and run on batteries so they’re young-family friendly too!
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2. A Family Devotional Together
Gather your family after breakfast for a group devotional. For younger children, use story-based Bibles like The Jesus Storybook Bible to explain the meaning of Good Friday in a way they can understand.
For older teens and adults, consider reading the crucifixion accounts from the Gospels and discussing them as a family.
If your family enjoys music, include a hymn or two. Singing together is a lovely way to connect with God and each other.
Pro Tip: Keep the devotional relaxed. Encourage open questions and reflections. It’s a day to nurture faith in love, not perfection.
What’ll you need:
- Hymnal: Choose a family friendly hymnal that offers timeless hymns along with their stories.
- Good Friday / Holy Week Devotional: Choose a thought-provoking and accessible devotional that explores the events of Good Friday and Easter Story in depth.
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3. Watch Something Meaningful as a Family
After your devotional, consider watching a faith-based movie that reflects on Christ’s sacrifice. For older teens and adults, The Passion of the Christ is a powerful and moving choice, but it’s too intense for little ones.
Instead, children might enjoy The Miracle Maker, a beautiful claymation film that tells the story of Jesus in a way they can understand.
Use this time to connect over what you’ve watched. Ask everyone to share their thoughts or favorite moments, and let the conversations flow naturally.
What to watch:
- The Passion of the Christ – A must-watch film for older audiences.
- The Jesus Storybook Bible TV Series – Perfect for young kids.
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4. Reflect Through Silence or Quiet Time
One of the most beautiful ways to honor Good Friday is through intentional quiet. Whether it’s a walk in nature, an hour of silence in the house, or reflective journaling, set aside time for peaceful contemplation.
You might ask the family to write letters to God, reflecting on the significance of the day. Even small, simple practices like lighting a candle or sitting outside in the breeze can help center your thoughts on Christ.
What’ll you need:
- Moleskine Journal – A timeless place for reflections.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones – For creating a quiet space anywhere.
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5. Make a Traditional Good Friday Meal: Homemade Fish and Chips
Growing up in Britain, Good Friday often meant fish for dinner. There’s a long-standing tradition in Christian and Catholic countries of eating fish on Fridays, and fish and chips was always the favorite in my home. Why not bring this comforting tradition to your family table?
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade fish and chips:
Ingredients:
- 4 cod or haddock fillets
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sparkling water (cold)
- 4 large potatoes
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)
- Salt to taste
Instructions: Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 375°F. Peel and slice your potatoes into thick chips. Fry in batches until golden and crispy. For the batter, whisk flour and sparkling water until smooth.
Coat the fish fillets in the batter. Fry the fish in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with the chips, a sprinkle of salt, and your favorite condiments (tartar sauce and malt vinegar are must-haves!).
What’ll you need:
- Deep Fryer – Makes homemade fish and chips a breeze.
- Fish Batter Mix – A simple shortcut if you’re pressed for time – this brand is the closest I can find to what it tastes like when you have Chip Shop Fish from my home in the U.K.!
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6. End the Day with Gratitude and Fellowship
Finish your Good Friday with family fellowship. Share what the day has meant to you, pray together, and express gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made. If you have little ones, let them draw pictures or write about what they’ve learned.
You could also read the resurrection story from the Gospels as a reminder of the joy that’s just around the corner on Easter morning.
The Takeaway
Good Friday is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. By weaving faith, family, and a few simple traditions into your day, you’ll create meaningful memories that honor the depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
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How do you spend Good Friday with your family? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article on Pinterest or with friends.
Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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