Rediscovering Worship as a Family Activity

Charles Spurgeon once said “If we want to bring up a godly family, who shall be a seed to serve God when our heads are under the clods of the valley?  Let us seek to train them up in the fear of God by meeting together as a family for worship” (C.H. Spurgeon, “A Pastoral Visit” 362-363).

Scripture has many examples of parents and grandparents setting an example of worship in the family:

• Genesis 22 - Abraham worshiping God, even willing to sacrifice Isaac
• Deuteronomy 6:4-9
• Psalm 78:1-8

The broader definition of worship goes beyond singing songs. Worshiping God includes all acts dedicated to thanking God for who He is—prayer, reading the Word, singing, giving, bowing before, etc.  Acknowledging God in all your ways is a form of worship. “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your steps” (Proverbs 3:5,6).  Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is the ultimate expression of worship and surrender to His lordship.   "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

Webster defines worship (noun) as: “worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being, worthiness, respect; reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power ; an act of expressing such reverence; extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem."  Webster also defines the word worship (verb) as: "to honor or reverence a divine being or supernatural power; to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion."

Worship is not only an act, it is a lifestyle.  

What better place is there for children and grandchildren to learn this lifestyle than from their own family at home?  Why not start this weekend on Saturday or Sunday evening.  All it takes is for someone in the home to take charge and lead the family in a simple time of reading the Word, prayer, and maybe even a quick song of praise.  We recommend the  Family Reading Bible by Zondervan publishing. You can find a copy in our faith@home center.  This is a great family resource for family worship times. 

“All the ends of the earth
   will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
   will bow down before him”  Psalm 22:27

“Children are living messages that we send to a time we will not see.” (John Whitehead)  What message will you be sending into the future?

“What happens at church is important.  What happens at home is even more important.” What are you doing at home to demonstrate this truth?

“They will already have been worshiping God as a way of life the previous six days in both private and family worship, and public worship will be a natural outflow.” (Jerry Marcellino, “Rediscovering the Lost Treasure of Family Worship, p.6)  

Is worship truly a way of life for your family?  If not, why not?  Begin to lead your family in rediscovering worship as a family activity today!  You will find it time well spent and an investment that will deliver rewards for generations to come.