Top Five Things to Include in Family Worship

All Bible verses that appear are taken from the King James Version.

In my previous article, “What is Family Worship?”, I discussed why family worship is so important and why every Christian household should make it a practice. But what exactly should you include in this time before the Lord with your family? Below is my recommended list of “Top Five” elements to include in family worship.

Element 1: Prayer                                                                                                                                                                        Prayers should be offered to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ in a respectful and honoring way (Matthew 6:9-13). We serve a monotheistic triune God, so our prayers likewise should reflect this theological reality. We pray to the Father in the name of Jesus (the Son) being aided by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27). The New Testament teaches us that prayers should be made to Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 22:16; 2 Timothy 2:22).

Element 2: Scripture Reading                                                                                                                                                2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” This declaration is true for ministers as well as every Christian. Matthew Henry said, “It is better to be without bread in your houses than without Bibles, for the words of God’s mouth are and should be to you more than your necessary food.”

The length of Scripture you read with your family will depend on the ages and maturity of your children. Be encouraged by Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The more Scripture that your child reads or hears, the better, but ensure that there is understanding. One of my pastor’s sons was saved during a time of family worship. Be encouraged that God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:10-11), and don’t be discouraged by small beginnings.

Element 3: Scripture Explanation                                                                                                                                        Parents (especially dads) have a sacred duty and responsibility to teach their children the truths contained in the Bible.

We must endeavor to provide explanations of Scripture that are understandable and age-appropriate for our children (Acts 8:30-31). Using basic words and explaining complex words that are hard to understand is important for younger children. Family worship will actually help to expand your children’s vocabulary!

I recommend reviewing the portion of Scripture you plan to teach prior to leading family worship, especially if you are unfamiliar with that section of the Bible. I recommend the following as helpful study tools: The ESV Study Bible, The Reformation Study Bible, and The Reformation Heritage Study Bible. The study notes are not authoritative nor inspired but may serve as helpful aids.

Element 4: Singing                                                                                                                                                                       Our families should sing to God. Even if you think you have a poor-sounding voice, you should still sing to God. Psalm 118:15 says, “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.” Colossians 3:16 commands, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Additionally, we should not neglect singing psalms, which were penned by men who were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). My family and I use the 1650 Scottish Metrical Psalter.

Element 5: Creeds & Catechisms                                                                                                                                            You may be unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or even opposed to the idea of using a creed. Your conviction may be, “No creed but Christ.” I humbly ask you to consider the perspective below.

The word “creed” comes from the Latin word “credo,” meaning “I believe.” If someone asked you what you believe about the Bible, what would you say? How would you respond if someone asked you if you believe that the Son is one with the Father? Additionally, what would you say if you were asked about the Trinity or the deity of the Holy Spirit? Your answers to all of these questions would form a personal confession of faith.

There are theological statements or affirmations throughout Scripture. For example, in 2 Timothy alone, there are theological affirmations and statements contained in the following passages: 1:8-10, 12, 14, 18; 2:8-9, 11-13; 3:15-17; 4:1, 8, 18. While church history is not authoritative, we stand on the shoulders of teachers (Ephesians 4:11-13) who have come before us, and their work can serve as tools to sharpen us theologically (even if we do not agree with everything they believed). I encourage you to teach your children the Apostles’ Creed, being careful to explain the theological statements contained within.

Christians wrote creedal statements primarily to produce orthodox declarations opposing heretical and contrary beliefs. If today were the last day you saw your child for the rest of your life, the words of the creeds would provide helpful barriers against heresy long after you were separated. Doctrine and truth separate true biblical Christians from “Christian” cults, including The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) and the Jesus Christ Church of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

It may be wise to provide your children with an overview of popular false teachings so that they can hold fast to and better defend the true faith (Christian apologetics). We should ask God for wisdom and use common sense to ensure that our explanations are age-appropriate. I recommend the ministry Answers in Genesis as a starting point for some excellent resources.

A number of years ago, a pastor and I met with two men who were part of a cult that believed that an Asian woman was the Holy Spirit. I was impressed with one of the men’s ability to quote Bible verses. Many cults use the Bible and twist Scriptural truth. Memorizing creeds helps establish firm guardrails for staying true to God’s Word.

In addition to teaching the historic creeds of Christianity, I encourage you to use a biblically-based catechism. I recommend the Baptist Catechism (also known as Keach’s Catechism) or the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Teaching from a biblically-based catechism grounds your child in the doctrine of God, Christ, the Law, Scripture, man, the fall, sin, and redemption. This will help you lay a biblical foundation of truth in your child’s mind.

If you asked your child, “What is God?” How would he respond? The Westminster Shorter Catechism answers the question in the following way. “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.”

May God bless you as you incorporate these five elements into your times of family worship!