Just Begin: Encouragement for Family Worship

More thoughts about family worship

“It should be a happy occasion when we meet to read the Word of God, and to pray together. It is well if we can also sing at such times.”
Matthew Henry writes concerning family prayer: “They that pray do well; they that pray and read the Scriptures do better; they that pray, read the Scriptures and sing a hymn, do best of all.”
— Charles Spurgeon, Delighting in the Sunlit Uplands of Grace, p. 113

Some of my favorite nights involve cooking dinner, gathering around the table, and having family worship. I truly enjoy the time we spend together opening the Word as a family. I want our children to see us worship corporately on Sunday mornings, but I also believe it is important that we worship together consistently at other times as well.

I don’t want them to think we simply “do church” on Sundays. Christianity is lived out every day. It is not a switch we turn on and off. As Paul writes, we “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). I believe this involves continuing to grow and learn together as a family.

One book that has helped me recently is Danika Cooley’s 60 Scriptures You Can Pray. I have been using it as a devotional with my morning coffee. The book is divided into eight sections: Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, Supplication, Intercession, Deliverance, Lament, and Guidance. Each section contains Scripture, a short devotion, and a prayer for each topic. I tend to jump around, but it has been a helpful resource for my own growth. As parents, we must continue learning as well if we are to teach and train our children.

I pray my children see me as imperfect and in need of a Savior. I want them to know that it is only in Christ that we are made right with God (Romans 8:1), and that He alone is the perfect Savior. I pray they will have seen this lived out, despite my own sin and failures.

If you are not currently practicing family worship, I hope to encourage you to begin. It does not need to be complicated. You do not need to preach or have a theological degree. If you miss a day, simply try again the next day. Resist the temptation to be legalistic.

Our basic format is simple: a song, a lesson, and prayer. Theo is learning the Doxology, so today we sang it fourteen times, ha! There are many wonderful books and guides available, but they are not necessary. You only need a Bible, your voice, and the willingness to let your children hear you pray.

Depending on the ages and abilities of your children, there is no set length of time. Some days are longer than others. Some seasons are deeper than others. Just begin.

There is also a wealth of great music available on YouTube if you don’t have musical ability. When I lead, this is often my go-to (or we sing a cappella), since Keith is extremely gifted and can play the guitar. On other nights, the kids pull out their play instruments and we are perfectly off-key together. Family worship in our home is always an experience, we are continually changing and growing.

Theo will be four in September, and I am continually surprised by how much he picks up, from his older siblings and from church. Our church is family-integrated. As soon as children are able, they sit in the service with their parents. We do offer nursery for children three and under (or those with special needs), which I see as a way of serving one another and showing love by caring for families and visitors.

When I am not serving in the nursery, I am training Theo to sit with us in the service. Recently, while Keith was preaching from John 6, Theo leaned over and whispered, “Jesus walk on water… do not be afraid.” It made my day. He had also heard that story in a children’s Bible and connected it to the sermon.

Even young children benefit from hearing the preached Word, just as they benefit from devotional times at home. While my children are being raised in a Christian home by two Christian parents, our faith does not save them. They must hear the Word and believe for themselves. As Romans 10:14 reminds us:

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?”

Yes, small children require patience. They need frequent breaks and constantly test boundaries. But they also need to be in church, participating in family worship, and taught as much as possible. I love hearing Theo sing the Doxology, hearing him recall what he is learning, and knowing he has a place in the life of the church.

My older three are capable of deeper conversations, catechism questions, and thoughtful discussion, but the gospel remains at the center of all our teaching. Yesterday, Faith (age eight) was able to answer a question that the older two could not, and she was so excited. None of us can earn our salvation. It is freely given and freely received. Jesus loves them. He is mighty to save, and He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. The food we eat, the money we have, and the house we live in are all gifts from Him. I pray they know how deeply they, and their dad, have blessed me.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4). This resonates deeply with me.

Family worship around 2017ish…Hope loved this guitar!

How do you practice family worship in your home? What joys has it brought you? What struggles have you faced along the way?