Introduction
Family worship is a time-honoured tradition that has been cherished and upheld by Christians throughout history, particularly by the Puritans. This sacred practice involves the regular gathering of family members to read Scripture, pray, and sing praises to God. It is a beautiful and transformative practice that not only strengthens the spiritual life of the family but also serves as a means of grace, fostering a Christ-centred home. The Puritans, who viewed the family as a “little church,” emphasized the importance of family worship as a cornerstone of godliness. Jonathan Edwards famously stated, “Every Christian family ought to be as it were a little church, consecrated to Christ, and wholly influenced and governed by his rules.”
The Importance of Family Worship
- Glorifies and Honours God: The primary purpose of family worship is to glorify and honour God. By centring the home upon Christ and acknowledging his sovereignty in our daily lives, family worship brings glory to God. The Puritans believed that the Christian family was “the bulwark of godliness” and that family worship was essential for maintaining a godly household. As the Bible says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh 24:15); “Cornelius, a devout man who feared God with all his household” (Acts 10:2).
- Centres the Home on Christ: Regular family worship helps to centre the home on Christ, shaping the family’s activities, conversations, and character to make Christ the focal point. The Scottish reformer John Knox urged families to engage in daily worship, saying, “Let no day slip or want some comfort received from the mouth of God.” This practice ensures that Christ remains at the heart of the family’s daily life.
- Encourages Christian Character: Family worship confronts sin and fosters forgiveness and reconciliation among family members, encouraging Christian character in the home. The Puritan William Perkins emphasized that families practicing worship are “little churches, yea, even a kind of Paradise upon earth.” The Bible supports this, instructing parents to “bring [their children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).
- Binds the Family Together: In our busy society, family worship provides a daily opportunity to gather and bond as a family. It becomes the central aspect of family life, strengthening the family unit. Charles Spurgeon lamented the decline of family worship in his time, noting that “hundreds of families of so-called Christians have no family worship, no restraint upon growing sons, and no wholesome instruction or discipline.” The Bible encourages this unity, stating, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps 133:1).
- Provides Systematic Discipleship: Family worship offers a structured way to disciple children, teaching Scripture, prayer, and worship. It builds a strong spiritual foundation, as Jonathan Edwards stressed the importance of family education and order as “chief means of grace.” The Bible commands, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deut 6:6-7).
- Generational Testimony: One of the greatest benefits is passing on faith to the next generation through example and participation. Children learn by watching and participating, and they carry these practices into their own families. The Bible highlights this responsibility, stating, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done” (Ps 78:4). A good example of this can be found in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
The Duty of Family Worship
The Bible grounds the duty of family worship in both Old and New Testaments:
- Daily instruction in God’s Word: Daily instruction in God’s Word is foundational to family worship. The Bible commands, “And these words…shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut 6:6-7). This passage underscores the importance of integrating Scripture into the daily rhythm of family life. Parents are called to diligently teach God’s words to their children, ensuring that biblical truths are woven into the fabric of everyday activities. This consistent exposure to Scripture helps children develop a deep and abiding knowledge of God’s Word, equipping them to navigate life with wisdom and faith. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
- Daily prayer: Daily prayer is a vital component of family worship, serving as a means of communication with God and a way to express dependence on him. Daily prayer provides families with the opportunity to share their joys, concerns, and gratitude with God, fostering a spirit of unity and reliance on his grace. It is a time to seek God’s guidance, confess sins, and intercede for one another. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Through daily prayer, families can experience God’s peace and draw closer to him, strengthening their faith and trust in his promises and provision.
- Daily singing praise: Daily singing praise is an essential aspect of family worship, bringing joy and unity to the household. Ps 118:15 declares, “Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous,” indicating that singing should be a regular practice in family homes. Singing praises to God not only honours him but also uplifts and encourages family members. It is a powerful way to express gratitude, celebrate God’s goodness, and reinforce biblical truths. Psalm 66:1-2 exhorts, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” Through singing, families can create an atmosphere of worship and reverence, drawing their hearts closer to God. Additionally, singing together can help children memorise Scripture and internalise its messages, making it a valuable tool for spiritual growth. As Colossians 3:16 encourages, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Implementing Family Worship
Conducting family worship does not require extensive preparation or theological expertise. It can be simple and flexible, fitting into the rhythm of family life. Here are some practical steps:
- Read the Word: The heart of family worship is hearing God’s word. Start with Bible stories for young children and gradually move to the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament. A study Bible can help explain terms and concepts. I recommend either The Reformation Study Bible (ESV) from Ligonier Ministries or the Reformation Heritage Study Bible from Reformation Heritage Books. The Bible emphasizes the importance of reading Scripture daily, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Col 3:16).
- Devotion: Choose a devotional book or a passage of Scripture to read aloud. Discuss its meaning and application to daily life. An excellent resource is the Family Worship Bible Guide from Reformation Heritage Books which presents rich devotional thoughts for every chapter of the Bible, including searching questions to promote conversation with your family. I also recommend adding into the mix a devotional book based on one of the Reformed catechisms (such as the ones by Starr Meade for younger families or Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism for older families). This can be a time for parents to model how to respond to God’s Word. The Bible encourages teaching with simplicity and clarity, “You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deut 6:7).
- Sing: Singing is a vital part of worship. Choose psalms or worship songs that the whole family enjoys. If you are musically challenged, use recordings to sing along to. Singing together reinforces the joy and reverence of worship. The Puritans often included the singing of psalms in their family worship, as it was a way to praise God and teach theological truths. The Puritan Cotton Mather called psalm singing a “holy, delight full and profitable Ordinance in the Church or Household.” The Bible says, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19).
- Pray: Prayer is an essential component of family worship. The Puritan William Perkins exhorts parents to “set up and maintain the private worship of God in your family, join you with them in holy duties, especially in daily calling upon the name of God.” Encourage each family member to share prayer requests and pray for one another. This fosters a spirit of unity and dependence on God’s grace. The Bible instructs, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17). The apostle Paul says in Romans 15:5-6, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion
Family worship is a gift from God, a means of grace that brings immeasurable benefits to the family. It glorifies God, centres the home on Christ, encourages Christian character, binds the family together, provides systematic discipleship, and offers a generational testimony of faith. By incorporating simple practices of reading the Word, devotion, singing, and prayer, families can create a Christ-centred home that honours God and nurtures spiritual growth. As we strive to revive this practice in our homes, let us be inspired by the wisdom of the Puritans and the eternal benefits that family worship brings. Let us commit to making family worship a staple in our daily lives, for the glory of God and the spiritual well-being of our families.
