Family devotions matter. I know of few Christians who do not believe in the importance of family devotions (or worship), but I also know of few who consistently practice family worship times. In my own family, we often struggle with consistency and when the pace of life quickens, the struggle only intensifies. I was recently convicted of just how lax we have become in this particular area of our family life.
Many men have a desire to lead their families spiritually and perhaps to even lead in family worship. I have written in the past that the most important thing that dads can do is start something spiritual in their homes–something is always better than nothing and you only fail when you forfeit. Nevertheless, starting family worship can be very intimidating for a number of reasons, but intimidation is no reason to run.
Ask yourself a few questions. Do you want your children to know Christ and follow his word? Do you want your children to develop a Christian worldview? Do you want to grow spiritually? Do you want to see your spouse grow spiritually? Do you want to honor God in your home and family? If you answered yes to these questions, then you want to start family times of worship, maybe you just don’t know how.
Donald Whitney’s book, Family Worship is a great tool to help you understand the value of family worship and to help you get started. Here are a few practical steps to help you start leading your family in worship:
- Start today. If you put it off until tomorrow, tomorrow may never come.
- Embrace the awkward. If you have never practiced family devotions, your family may look at you a little strange. That is OK. Consider Whitney’s advice and tell them, “I have come to believe that the Bible teaches I should be leading us in family worship, and I want to start today. I have a lot to learn about it, but I want to do what I believe God wants me to do. Will you join me?”
- Keep it short. Ten minutes is plenty of time to read a chapter of Scripture, sing a song, and have prayer. If you go longer, that is OK, but plan to keep it short. You will keep everyone’s attention better.
- Be regular. Try to have a regular time and a regular place each day.
- Be Flexible. Consider adapting your times and places to best fit your family. Some families are not filled with morning people. Maybe dinner time would be better or bedtime. Just consider the needs of your family when trying to create a routine.
- Use tools. Obviously, you will need your Bible, but do not be afraid to use devotion books, CDs, iTunes, a family worship guide, or children’s Bibles. No one is asking you to reinvent the wheel or lead your family in a Billy Graham style sermon.
Contrary to what you may think or even what some may have told you, family worship is often not easy. In fact, it can be downright stressful to get everyone together and attentive long enough to make any sense out of God’s word. But, in spite of the stress and struggle, family worship matters and practicing it regularly in your home should be a goal. Your times of family devotion will rarely be perfect, but at the very least you will be modeling to your family the importance of God and his word in your life.
