Why a family devotional & what is family worship?

During this time we are home, there will be new habits created for ourselves and those we live with.  The exact number of repetitions for a habit to form is different based on research.  However, I would venture to say that we will be generally surprised by how fast our minds and bodies can become accustomed to a new food, road, or routine.

Maybe you have heard the term Family Worship before, maybe not.  Over the coming weeks, our Family Ministries team will put together a simple, yet practical family devotion for you to use as we walk through this period we are all home.  This devotional is only one tool for you to use during your family worship time if you do not have a habit of family worship already.  For those who do, you may or may not choose to veer off your usual material and change things up a bit with these we are offering.  For those who are not in the habit of a Family Worship time, this is for you.  It is our aim to help you create a habit of something we think the Bible is asking of all families and that is a devoted time where families gather to worship God in a simple and God-glorifying way.

In Psalms 78: 1-8 we read, “ O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying,  for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past- stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us.  We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them- even the children not yet born- and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors- stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.”

These verses, given by Asaph, are given as a reminder to families to teach their children about the lessons of God so that they would in turn teach their children in the generations to come.  Family Worship is a time to pause, pick up the scriptures, and read over its words so that we worship God.  It’s not about a production that takes hours of preparation.  It’s about a pause, to read, to pray and to sing.  

Based on your family dynamics, this may look very different in your home than the home of your friend.   Some days it may be brief, while other days the duration may be longer.  Some days you may walk away thinking you haven’t even entered into a spirit of worship while others you may be overwhelmed with a palatable sense of God.  Most likely, it will seem the earlier.  No matter what you walk away feeling, know that our aim is to create a consistent time for your family to worship the creator where God’s word is read, prayer is shared and praise is given in song.

If you have not already implemented the idea of family worship, it’s okay.  However, today is the moment for you to begin.  In addition, know that church isn’t a replacement for family worship.  Scripture gives instructions for fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers and guardians alike to gather together their family and learn the lessons of God at home, which is different than solely relying on the church to teach your children of Him.  Take it slow, don’t get overwhelmed and know you do not have to be a preacher, missionary or saint to make this happen.

Start chapter by chapter and read through the Bible.  If you have younger children or are new to faith in Christ, find a children’s Bible that uses a story approach.  As you grow in your understanding of the Bible, you will gain confidence.  The goal is to bring your family together for an opportunity to read, pray, sing and worship God.

If this article stirs a desire to dig deeper into the biblical reason and need for family worship, here is a simple resource that is available on amazon.com. The title is Family Worship, by Donald S Whitney and can be purchased for a minimal fee.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at rcampbell@therivercc.com or any of our church staff at The River church.

Blessings,

Ryan- Children’s Pastor