Family Worship Basics

Just read & pray

You've heard of the KISS stratagem, haven't you? Keep It Simple, Silly!

Family worship tends to be something that is intimidating to newbies.  Fathers in particular get a little overwhelmed by it, thinking that it has to be a prolonged time where the Spirit descends and everyone is gripped with awe for hours on end.

You have to remember though: the key to family worship is simplicity.  The only required elements are Scripture & prayer.  

Some families include singing, scripture memory, extended discussions or teachings and such.  Some families can spend an hour together in their ritual.  

That's great if you can swing it, but it is not the norm.  It certainly isn't for they guy who is just starting out.

The Holy Spirit only needs a few minutes.  The great thing is, He can do His thing even if the baby is screaming and the toddler can't sit still.

So, just pick up the Bible and start reading.  Choose a gospel and read a story or two. The great thing about the gospels is that, besides their spiritual meaty-ness, they have huge entertainment value.  

If you can add some comments along the way, cool.  If you don't have a clue what God is trying to communicate, no problem.  God's word won't return void.

It's like your dinner.  Sometimes you have a feast with all the fixin's.  Sometimes you just have a grilled cheese sandwich.  But it is all nourishing and will get you the strength you need.

Best of all, your kids will often participate out of their own curiosity.  They'll ask questions...some pertaining to the text, some completely out of the blue.  No worries.  Run with it.  They are thinking spiritual things!  Woo-whoo!  

Sure, they will laugh.  They will squirm.  They will suddenly remember that they have the most urgent need for the bathroom. Life is going to happen, and that is okay.

Even through all the distractions, God will do something.  His word is that powerful.  Over 5, 10, 15 years, they will have been heavily saturated in the Scripture.

After you read, pray.  Ask for prayer requests, and remember no request is too small.  If Johnny wants to pray for the dog, that's great!  If Suzzie prays for her doll, swell!  God said to cast all your cares upon Him.  These are things about which kids care and they need to know God cares too.

Again, you don't have to prolong it.  If the kids are about to jump out of their skin and can't be contained: make it short!  Live to pray another day!