Day 283

Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day.

Chapter 22, Paragraph 6.

“…as in private families…”

Scripture Lookup

Acts 10:2

Reflection

Everyone everywhere is called to worship God. Each man, woman, and child is called to offer prayer and praise to the Creator of all things. As individuals we are to spend time worshiping Him, and also when we gather as the church to formally worship Him. There is another group that should gather together to worship God, and that is the family.

Family worship is not a term that is heard much in mainstream evangelical churches. Often the extent of worship done by the family is in the church setting on Sundays, and then through individual times of devotions. But parents are instructed to raise their children in the instruction and discipline of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Gathering together as a family to worship God is an opportunity to do just that. Children are shown that worship is not just a “me and God” thing during the week, but a time to learn who God is and what He requires of us.

When we worship as a family, we are also to worship in spirit and in truth. It does not need to be elaborate. A sincere, heartfelt simple song, chapter of Scripture, and brief prayer is enough. Don’t run through it to get it over with so you can move on to the next thing. Also, we must be careful not to add anything to that time that God has not permitted. For example, lighting candles and bowing before statues are not parts of acceptable worship. Why would they be part of your family devotion time, then? That is an extreme example, but it is important to keep in mind lest you be tempted to add “visuals” to keep your children’s interest.

God has established families so that they might worship Him together. As a parent, you have a responsibility to teach your child to worship God. Take the time to worship Him together in your home.

Questions to Consider

• Are there any parts of your family worship that you may need to stop doing?