STEPS TOWARD MEANINGFUL FAMILY WORSHIP

STEPS TOWARD MEANINGFUL FAMILY WORSHIP

A man is not being a good dad or husband simply by not being a bad dad or husband. A way to correct things is: Begin regular Bible reading and prayer with the entire family. Set a time and stick to it.

For a starter, use the Book of Mark – a short section at a time. Personal prayer must precede and undergird the family prayer. Below, I am attaching my extensive directions for family worship.

1. Agreement of parents. The ideal is for Dad to take initiative as leader, using the others.

2. Set definite time when family can be together. Just after supper hour? It is surely worth setting the meal schedule to fit this in before evening responsibilities.

3. Expect difficulties. Do not quit. Humbly keep trying. If needed, administer firm discipline afterwards – or on occasions interrupt briefly to care for misbehavior. However, strive for cheerful, quiet cooperation.

4. Keep it brief and bright. 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid long, tiring lectures or trying to cover too much. Tomorrow will come! In emergencies, greatly abbreviate rather than eliminate: Share a key thought, all stand in circle for prayer, holding hands while one leads, even start discussion during the meal, if pressed for time.

5. Prepare briefly in advance. Glance over the next Bible portion to be covered. Remember the main aim is to cover the Bible itself, but the Bible in story form will help youngsters get hold of important history faster. However, even younger children need to hear Bible language daily.

6. Vary method of covering each Bible lesson. Try the following, changing each week:

a. One person read entire lesson – taking turns.
b. Have each person in the circle read one or several verses. (Or, in the case
c. If the day’s Scripture section is a very long single episode prepare to tell
d. Employ the family members in turn as “leaders.” Help them in advance
e. Assignments: Map study, noticing areas being studied. Questions and of very small children, let them take their turn, too, by repeating the words after you as you read phrase by phrase.) the story briefly, having all read key verses. (This takes but a few moments of ADVANCE preparation.) to know leading points, questions, ideas of approach, truths bearing on text. Terms (Bible Dictionary). Related Scriptures.

7. Hold brief discussion and/or question time. Frequent questions interspersed in story will perk the interest of the very young. Aim at facts just read and also to see if all get their meaning and application to their lives. (Here parents should humbly share from their own heart, too.) “What blessing, lesson is there here for you?” “Explain verse…” “What did Jesus do, say…” “What does this teach us about the Lord?” “Are we ever guilty of this?” “How?” “Are there things we sometimes try to hide?” “What are your main problems?”

8. Time of prayer. Suggested subjects: Definite home needs, each other, definite needs of others, salvation of friends, neighbors, relatives. Sometimes take special requests from each one. Remember our various missionaries – perhaps one for entire week. Hold to the great aim of prayer: real praise and thanks.

Each worship time should raise the family’s view of God and His workings through men. Pray around the circle. Or, by ages; or, select certain ones to lead. Sometimes sit – another time stand – or, kneel (don’t avoid this for comfort’s sake). Use the Lord’s Prayer in unison once in a while, to close or open prayer period.

9. Other worship activities. (Must be done quickly as a bright worship aid.)

Hymn singing. Use verse or two of familiar hymn before prayer or as you open worship. Try memorizing a good hymn. Purchase your own hymnals, matching those in church. Memorize Scripture verses together. Act out the
Bible story.

10. Always invite any guests to sit with you. Never omit devotions or apologize. Simply say, “We are so glad you are with us now because each evening we have a brief family time with the Bible.” Either include the visitor in the circle of reading or ask only the children to share and you close with any discussion and prayer. If they are believers, it will be an added blessing to all if visitors share more fully.

11. Furthers thoughts. Once in a while, deliberately change the time and place.

For example, on a Saturday, try family worship in the morning, and move everyone’s private devotions to the evening. Sunday afternoon have worship out doors or about the fireplace, or enlarge the activity to include a full service at home. Tie the worship in with various good family times. Make it a part of highlight occasions.

Parents should not allow complaining or contesting for place in the worship time. The parent should always keep the initiative, deciding how each portion shall be handled. Keep it alive and interesting.