A Guide to Family Devotions
As you’ve attended church over the past few weeks, you probably have noticed an insert in the bulletin—a Family Worship Guide. This may have surprised you or even been discarded. What exactly is family worship, anyway, and why is it important? Why do we provide a weekly guide, and what is its purpose?
We believe that worship is more than music and the activities of Sunday mornings. Worship is a lifestyle, where we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God, as stated in Romans 12:1. However, this does not diminish the significance of worship’s visible expressions. Additionally, the importance of personal devotions—time spent in prayer, Bible reading, and engaging with the other means of grace—is recognized.
Beyond individual and corporate worship, however, there is a vital role for worship within our households and family units, especially among married couples and families with children. God did not design us as isolated individuals but part of a complex social fabric made up of households and families (Genesis 2:18, Psalm 68:6)—foundational units of society. It’s crucial to engage with God not only individually but together as families, aligning our household dynamics to Biblical teachings. In doing so, we model the gospel and the relationship between Christ and His church.
The Joy of Leading Family Worship
For those uncertain about initiating family worship, consider these encouragements:
Start with what you have. An idealistic concept of perfection can often be the enemy of progress in our spiritual lives—but it need not be. If an hour-long Bible study five nights a week isn’t feasible, remember that something is better than nothing. Use whatever time you have, even if it’s only five minutes a week.
Set an example. Actions often speak louder than words. Your children may not recall every detail shared, but they will remember seeing consistent spiritual practices at home, especially as they watch Dad take the lead.
Guard your tone. Ensure that worship times are characterized by joy rather than frustration or anger. If the evening’s mood is tumultuous, don’t carry that energy into Bible reading. Worship should be a joyful and peaceful time, in harmony with your family’s dynamics.
Recognize and savor all the varied means of grace. I recall once hearing a quote (I cannot locate the source) that was something to this effect: “the family that reads Scripture together does well; the family that prays together does better still; the family that does these and also sings does best.” Consider that, as you engage in family worship, you are engaging not only the mind but also the heart. Choose activities that are most likely to stir the affections of your household members toward the Lord.
Consider your children. Tailor your worship practices to suit the developmental stages of your children. Young children, for example, excel in memorization—a perfect opportunity for catechism. Use tools like the New City Catechism to facilitate this.
Worship is for every household. Family worship isn’t just for families with children. Couples must also pray together, share spiritual insights throughout the day, and make spiritual discussions a regular part of their relationship. Single-person households are under no less obligation to be ordered according to the ways of Christ.
Make it memorable. For families with young children, consider acting out Bible stories or using memorable phrases as mnemonic devices. Engaging with Scripture in a fun, interactive way can leave a lasting impression.
Trust in God’s work. Remember, God can use even our feeblest efforts for His glory. Trust Him to bless your endeavors in family worship.
Embrace organic conversations. While it’s helpful to plan, don’t be afraid to follow the rabbit trails, as they often lead to the most memorable and impactful discussions. Organic, spontaneous conversations with your children are invaluable, better than adhering to a set curriculum or agenda. Don’t hesitate to diverge from the text; remember, this is family time, not a sermon. Be open to the Spirit’s leading, allowing for natural, Spirit-led discussions to flourish.
If you’re convicted concerning family worship, rest assured that you are not left alone to wander. Each Sunday at Faith Bible Fellowship Church of York, we include our Family Worship Guide in the bulletin to assist you. In it, you’ll find the week’s catechism questions for memorization, a memory verse, a brief prayer designed to encapsulate the lesson, and a short hymn to sing together. You can use as much or as little of the guide as needed; what’s important is that you are taking steps to lead your home biblically.
As fathers and mothers, we are commanded to raise up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This endeavor, like anything else, will not be fulfilled automatically without intentional time and attention. Family worship is an opportunity to deepen our relationships with God and with each other. By incorporating these practices into our homes, we can foster a spiritual environment that nurtures faith, love, and devotion, binding our families closer to each other and to Christ.
Recommended Reading:
Baucham, Voddie Jr. Family Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011.
– Alex Kocman
