How do we worship together as a family?
I recently read an interesting article on Some Practical Suggestions For Worshipping Together as a Family. There are some seemingly insurmountable obstacles when one says, “We are going to sit together as a family for church this week!” In her article Noel Piper says, “We discovered that the very earliest school for worship is in the home, when we help a baby be quiet for just a moment while we ask God’s blessing on our meal; when a toddler is sitting still to listen to a Bible story book; when a child is learning to pay attention to God’s Word and to pray during family devotional times.”
The author of the article suggests starting early, and instilling in your children at even the earliest of ages, that church is not boring, it is not where you go once a week to be entertained and it is certainly not an “escape route for easy childcare”. It is our responsibility to promote these concepts early on as parents; to instill in our children early on in life a genuine love for God, His Word, His Son, and His will for our lives and not that of our own.
The author also suggests some simple practical things we can all do:
1.) If you know what the scripture passage will be for the coming Sunday, read it together several times during the week. A little one’s face really lights up when he/she hears familiar words from the pulpit.
2.) Have a worship folder for each service. It helps a child feel like a participant in the service. (Include paper and writing device)
3.) Make sure and take a restroom break prior to service (leaving the service is distracting and discouraged).
4.) Pray for the understanding of those around you, as you attempt to “train up a child”.
One might ask the question, Why would we bring our children into the service? Here are two goals for training your children to worship together:
1.) So that children learn early and as well as they can to worship God Heartily
2.) So that parents are able to worship.
Be sure and encourage good behavior at the completion of every service. Make sure that no good deed goes unnoticed. Conversely make sure to promptly address any and all behavioral issues. If possible discreetly during service, if not sometimes a trip to the restroom post service will suffice. Prov. 13:24 “He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” (NKJV)
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” (NKJV)
If we want our families to “Fear God and keep His Commandments” there is no better time to start than now. Begin praying about bringing your family together for worship and pray for the understanding of those around you as we try to worship with, One Heart, One Mind, and One Voice.
God Bless,
Grant A. Murray
Pastor of Family Ministries
Excerpts taken from: Noel Piper, Equipping the Generations: Some Practical Suggestions for Worshipping Together as a Family.
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