Family Worship: Where to Start

Many people think of worship as something that just happens at church on Sundays. While it’s true that the church does gather to worship, it’s also true that worship should be happening in many other contexts as well, including the home. Let’s think about what it could look like to worship as a family.  Family worship is a time devoted to reading Scripture, praying, and singing as a family. It is intended to be a joy-giving spiritual rhythm in which families intentionally look to and celebrate the Triune God. So, how does a family do this in a God-honoring way? 

First Things First: Start with Why

At Arrowhead Church, one of our key leadership values is Start with Why. If we are not constantly being reminded of why we do what we do in the way in which we do it, we will fail. So what or who is our Why when it comes to family worship? 

In Romans 8-11, Paul summarizes redemptive history (God’s plan to redeem the entire creation, especially His people, throughout the ages). At the end of this glorious portion of Scripture, Paul erupts in praise: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36, ESV). The Why for all of the Christian life is to glorify God; He is worthy of all honor, all praise, and all glory. 

In God’s grace, He has designed it so that as we glorify Him, our joy increases. Our highest good, our greatest joy, is the glory of God. As we live for Him, honoring Him in our households, training those within to behold their God, we experience inexpressible joy that is ever increasing (Isaiah 40:9-11). This is the Why of family worship! 

Implementing Family Worship

With our Why established, we can now consider the How: 

First, establish when and where family worship will happen. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for families, for each family is unique. Family worship for the empty-nester couple will look different than it does for the young family with kids. Consider your family’s routines and schedules, then consider ways to establish family worship in a way that doesn’t feel burdensome. 

Perhaps you could gather after dinner, around the table. For those with young kids, it may be better to sit down together in the bedroom floor before bedtime. For the couple with no children, mornings might be best. Whatever works best for your family, utilize that time and space. 

Second, start small. Family worship can seem like a big, intimidating task. However, it’s actually quite simple. Reading Scripture, praying together, and singing does not (and I would argue should not) take an hour. It can easily be carried out in five minutes, especially if children are involved. 

To get started, consider reading through the Gospel of Mark, breaking it up into manageable chunks. Read a portion, discuss its implications, pray in response to the Word and for one another, then conclude by singing a simple hymn. There are many wonderful resources to help (more on this in a future Side Note). 

Third, persevere in this discipline. Some days, you will not desire family worship. It may feel monotonous at times. This is when we need to be reminded of our Why. On the other side of obedience is joy (Heb. 12:1-2), and the Gospel enables us to persevere, finding rest in God (Matt. 11:28-29). 

We all know that there are days we don’t desire to read God’s Word or pray or gather with the church. How should we respond? Do we just forsake the Lord, or do we press in, knowing that it is for God’s glory and our good? My hope is that we will press in with family worship too. 

Fourth, exercise grace. You will fail in these things. I know because I have too. When we fall short, we must look to God for grace. God’s grace is forgiving but also enabling; He gives us the ability and the endurance to glorify Him in all spheres of life. God’s grace enables us to say with Paul, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). 

Friends, Jesus is worthy of your family’s praise. Gather regularly to gaze upon His beauty in Scripture reading, prayer, and song. Look to Him who is your help, and persevere.

Want to learn more about leading your family in worship? On November 8th, we will be hosting a workshop on Family Worship. You can sign up here.