HintsOn Family Worship

We have seen in the last two weeks that one of the most importantfactors contributing to the state and health of the Church in any generation isthe emphasis or lack of emphasis on family religion. We have also seen that ina Christian home, it is the God-ordained duty of the covenant head of householdto ensure that family religion is maintained. How is it maintained? No lessthan through daily family worship and systematic catechising. In this article,we shall discuss the elements and conduct of family worship by way of a Q&Aon the subject.

Who isresponsible to start, call for and maintain family worship?
The covenant head of household, namely the father in a Christian family isresponsible (Eph 5:25-26; 6:4). If the head of household is not a believer ordoes not live in the house (for whatever reason), the eldest son who is abeliever or the mother should take over the responsibility.

Who are toparticipate in family worship?
All who are in the house under the charge of the covenant head of household areto participate. This includes unbelieving covenant children, live-in domestichelps, as well as any guests who are staying with the family (cf. Ex 20:10).

When and howfrequently should family worship be carried out? 
There is no hard and fast rules (cf. Deut 6:7). Family worship should beregarded as an integral part of a family’s responsibility and as much time aspossible should be devoted to the exercise. Each family should worship togetherat least once a day, but if possible, twice a day: once in the morning and oncein the evening would be ideal (cf. 1 Ch 16:40). In any case, the time forworship should be regular, specified, and adhered to as much as possible. Inthis modern high pressure society it is generally very difficult to get thefamily together except at meal times, so I would recommend that that familyworship be worked around meal times. Many families prefer to have worship aftertheir meal, but in my family we have found it advantageous having it justbefore our meals —never mind the food getting a little cold. Each family, withthe father taking the lead, must work out its own schedule which can beobserved with some discipline and consistency.

How longshould family worship be?
Again there are no rules. Some families can only afford 10 minuteseach day, some can afford more. The key is not to rush through worship so thatit becomes a mechanical exercise to be get over with rather than enjoyed. Alsothe father (or whoever is leading in worship) should discern the specific needsof the family. If there are very young children for example, it may bedifficult to have worship any longer than 15 minutes. In which case, the familyshould not be forced to sit through an hour of worship lest resentment andirritability develops. Keep the worship time short and succinct, say 20-25minutes if possible.

What are theelements of family worship?
All the elements of public worship except the administration ofsacraments may be included in family worship. Thus Scripture reading, prayer,singing of psalms, exposition of the Word (and catechising) may be included.The head of household should lead in all these areas with solemnity andreverence. In addition, I believe that family worship ought to be less formaland more flexible than public worship, and so I would allow some discussion ofdoctrinal or theological subjects passage read or a sermon that was heard onthe …cont p. 3 Lord’s Day(cf. 1Cor 14:34-35; Deut 6:20). I would even allow "responsivereading" or having each member of the family read a verse in turn. Thiswill help to keep the attention of both younger children as well as tiredadults!

How do Istart? I do not know how to expound the Scripture.
May I suggest that it is the duty of the head of household to be instructed inthe Word by reading and self-study before he is able to instruct his family.But if you are unable to do so, one suggestion is to make use of a devotionalcommentary (e.g. Matthew Henry’s) or a daily devotional guide (e.g. Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening,Tabletalk by Ligonier Ministries or even IDEThomas’ Daily Devotions fromthe Puritans). Another excellent alternative is to make use of books suchas Calvin’s Truth for AllTimes or Thomas Watson’s Body of Divinity or Thomas Vincent’s Exposition of the Shorter Catechism.I do not think that it is wrong to read from these during family worship. But apoint must be made to adapt and simplify the lesson so that the youngest in thefamily may benefit from the study. Remember also that if you are reading a passageof Scripture, that there is no necessity to read an entire chapter each time.Rather, carefully divide the chapter into logical passages and read one suchpassage a day (a Study Bible may be helpful for this purpose). Remember alsothat there is no need to explain and expound every verse in the passage. Doseek wisdom from the Lord (Jas 1:5) to know what to emphasise.

I would likemy family to sing as part of our worship, but my repertoire of hymns is verysmall, what can I do? 
When my family and I started family worship, I had the same problem, and aftera while we gave up singing altogether. Providentially, we met Ps Jeff ‘O Neilwho gave us a few copies of the Scottish Psalter. Straightaway we had a morethan adequate supply of not only theologically accurate, but also inspiredhymns to use for all-purpose. Moreover, we could sing any of the psalms withoutdifficulty. You see, the Scottish Psalter, may be sung to any Common (8.6.8.6)Meter Tune, many of which are very familiar tunes, such as Amazing Grace,O God our Helpin Ages Past, I Sing theMighty Power of God, TheLord is My Shepherd, Lead Me to Calvary etc.Get a list of these tunes from me. Do let me know also if you would like a fewcopies of the Psalter for use at home.

Finally, whatare the keys to endurance, seeing that there is so much to distract us awayfrom our duty of family worship? 
Firstly, a determination to honour and please the Lord by exalting the name ofChrist in the home, on the part of all, but especially the father. Secondly,consistency. Try not to allow anything detract you from family worship at thespecified time (this is why working it around meal times is helpful—not onlywould the family gather automatically together, but few people will call byphone or in person at dinner time). Thirdly, flexibility. Be ready to makeadjustments that may be necessary because of unplanned circumstances. Forexample, be prepared to have worship at another time slot if the regular slotis not available for one reason or another.

May the Lord grant you much help as you endeavour to obey Him andto build up the church within the family which the Lord has placed you in, orplaced you as a steward of.