Did you grow up having family worship? If not, it might seem like a foreign concept to gather everyone in the family together for prayer and Bible study. Yet family worship is a practice that we see modeled in the Bible and encouraged in the Spirit of Prophecy.
Because of Abraham's friendship with God, God knew that He could count on Abraham teaching his household about God. "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him" (Genesis 18:19).
Joshua led his family to stay true to God regardless of other's choices. "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).
In Moses' final address to the Israelites, he commands them teach their children God's words and ways. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your 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" (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7).
There is no better way to ensure time to teach our children about God then to set aside daily time for family worship.
"In every family there should be a fixed time for morning and evening worship. How appropriate it is for parents to gather their children about them before the fast is broken, to thank the heavenly Father for His protection during the night, and to ask Him for His help and guidance and watchcare during the day! How fitting, also when evening comes, for parents and children to gather once more before Him and thank Him for the blessings of the day that is past!" (7T 43).
This resource on family worship will give you a solid foundation for understanding from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy as well as giving you over a dozen practical ideas of how to do it well.
Family Worship Ideas and Ellen White Counsel
More Family Worship Resources:
- Interactive Family Worship Ideas for Kids will turn worship into everyone’s favorite part of the day.
- 100 Creative Worship Ideas for Busy Families - 100 new ways to make family worships memorable. Simple, practical, and easy to use – a heaven-sent blessing to busy families everywhere!
- What We Believe for Guide Readers and Activity Book - Engaging stories and fun activities to help bring the truths of God's Word to life for ages 10-14.
- Devotionals - The Adventist Book Center carries a number of devotionals each year, several of which are designed for children. These are a great place to start if you're new to having family worship.
- Children's Prayer Series - 14 printable lessons designed to teach children the joy of coming to God in prayer.