The Value of Family Worship

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15). Hearing the Scriptures early in life contributes to forming right character. The Holy Scriptures have a life-giving and life-changing message that preserves true moral and spiritual values for our families. They will turn our hearts and minds to God. They are life and food for the soul. They influence the minds and attitudes of children, moulding their character into obedience and honesty, which prepares them for serving, loving and forgiving others. God designed the home to teach and train our children for responsibility and usefulness. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 teaches parents how to conduct worship in the home.

1. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.” (Deut.6:6)

Our heart is where our memories, our thoughts and our aspirations originate, and are stored. Expressions of devotion, praise, prayer and worship flow from a heart free from sin. “Keep thy heart with all diligence.” (Proverbs 4:23). If we cannot concentrate on God and remain focussed on our prayer and the songs we sing, how shall God be praised? A father’s love of the Scriptures is a deeply important testimony to children and youth. Do they know that father is more interested in spiritual reading than in business magazines or newspapers? This is an unspoken message that will greatly affect his children. Worship is an attitude of reverence, awe, admiration, adoration and profound respect – prayer, praise, singing and witnessing for Christ are all expressions of true worship.

2. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” (Deut. 6:7)

God has commissioned fathers to lead out in family worship and teaching in the home. Abraham is an example of a worship leader.

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (Gen. 18:19). God had a good testimony of Abraham as a father. Abraham instructed his children in everything the Lord taught him. The account of Abraham offering Isaac tells us how he involved his children in his worship. Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?” He knew what was needed to come to God. Faithfully fathers call their children to worship. This is vital. Neglecting worship in the home is an offence against God and our children.

Do we have the compassionate interest and godly concern that is exemplified in Abraham’s example? As parents, we can help our little children say their bedtime prayers and help them establish good worship patterns – it will aid them as they face their own crises. Children can be taught prayers to memorize: they can be nurtured to mention special needs to God. Reading the Bible stories to them is an excellent way to teach them the ways of God.

3. “Thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house.” (Deut. 6:7).

Daily worship will encourage our children to acts of devotion. As we gather our family for worship, our children can join in the songs. They can take their turn reading a verse in the Bible. An occasional Bible quiz may be also inspiring. This time of sharing will help them to establish their personal devotions.

Thoughtful daily reading of the Word is a powerful influence in a Christian’s life. Coupled with prayers, it becomes an anchor of the soul and contributes to the fruitfulness of the home. Prayers must be sincere and from a heart of faith resigned to God’s will. This is born out of being attached to the vine (John 15:1-10). The need for prayer extends into all of life. When the apostle Paul was leaving his friends at Tyre, they knelt down on the shore and prayed (Acts 21:5). Whether on the seashore, in the barn, in the garden, or when the three-year-old is very sick, father calls the family together for prayer. When prayer is a part of life throughout the day, it will leave an indelible imprint on all in the home who make God their hope. It is important to have a regular time and place for family worship: it should be a place that will enable each participant to contribute undivided attention to this all important means of spiritual nurture.

4. “You shall teach them diligently to thy children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.” (Deut. 6:7)

Family worship is not an end in itself – it prepares us to meet the needs of the day, it helps to set a proper course when difficulties arise, it influences our daily decisions, it provides profitable meditation for the day. The songs we sing give inspiration and purpose for our tasks.

5. “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Deut. 6:8)

This is a figurative expression of a spiritual reality. As a disciple of Christ, we carry this commitment to represent him faithfully whatever may come. God does not bless us just to make us feel good, but so that we may also bless and serve others. Bible reading and prayer give us spiritual vision.

6. “You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates.” (Deut. 6:9)

This will be as a monument, a pillar, and an altar foundation for our children. It will help to keep alive a principle of truth. If we neglect the important things of life, wrong choices will show up in the next generation. God will hold us accountable for failing to maintain scriptural practices. If fathers and mothers do not maintain this habit of family worship, who will? God’s voice of instruction comes through family worship, through His Ecclesia (Church), and through His word. May we bind them continually upon our hearts and write them upon the table of our heart (Proverbs 6:21, 3:3). It is good to have Bible verses written on the posts of our houses and on our gates. But may our houses and our gates ring with the virtues and graces of Christ in the conversations, manners and spiritual values of our families. Then our hearts will truly reflect the goodness of our Lord and give the sweet perfume of love, peace, harmony and spiritual strength.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Bro Gaius Egwu (Ohafia, Nigeria)