"Then I, John, say the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.... And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 21:2, 22:1-2)

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(adapted from a Parenting Class given by the Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss in Glenview, Illinois)

Reasons for Family Worship

It is a powerful means for the building of conscience!
It helps us remember the presence of the Lord in the home, as the Ruler of the home.
It is a unifying force in the home, second to none.

Modes of Family Worship

  1. Saying prayers together at night.
  2. Short worship service.
  3. Family worship service as described below.
  4. Some families like to read something from the Word before dinner or at bedtime.

Note: Discussion about the Lord and religion is also important. Its use is a little different, helping to form the understanding more than the will.

How Do I Teach?

  1. Read, and make sure they understand the words and the story.
  2. At first, the story is all they need.
  3. As a parent becomes comfortable leading family worship, some teaching will naturally fit in.
  4. Use this time to talk about certain values and important lessons in the home.
  5. The emphasis is always on order and affection in the worship circle. The sphere should be relaxed, and some families may choose to incorporate time for discussing the story.
  6. Reading family talks (part or all) can enhance your family worship or supplement the leader's preparation.

Where Should We Worship?

Ideally, we would have a worship center in our homes with a repository-a special place to keep the Lord's Word. But there is value in worshipping outside in places of great beauty. (You may wish to read Psalm 8 during an outdoor service-especially at night.)

Other Thoughts on Family Worship

Encourage reflection with children at this time-on the day and their part in it, or on certain attitudes. Yet we must be careful not to "moralize" or "lecture".

The great value of the stories in worship is that the children associate with the "good guys," and in spirit are on the right side. They need not always be reminded that they may sometimes be like the "bad guys" in their behavior.

A COMMON FORMAT FOR WORSHIP

[For a shorter service, omit the bracketed portions]

[Provide candles and flowers for worship center]

[Song]

Opening of the Word with all standing in silence

[Sentence from Scripture]

[Prayer]

The Lord's Prayer said in unison with everyone kneeling

[Song]

Reading from the Old or New Testaments and a Reading from the Writings (or instruction from the Writings in the parent's own words)

The blessing said by all in unison: "Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in You."

Closing of the Word in silence

[Song]