Family Worship: Closing Thoughts

“So… whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” ~I Corinthians 10:31

For a few weeks we’ve considered the oft-neglected practice of family worship. What used to be a staple in Christian homes has fallen into neglect. But what benefits there are to be found in regular family worship! Today, in our last installment in this series, I want to offer a few closing thoughts as we consider this wonderful spiritual discipline. 

First, to our single brothers and sisters. These past weeks have focused primarily on families gathered on the couch for worship. But the benefits, the pitfalls, the components of family worship — those are for you, too. Individually we ought to be spending time with God in His Word, in song, and in prayer daily. Gaining an increased understanding of Scripture will benefit single adults as much as it will little children. It will give you a broader grasp of God's Word when we gather for corporate worship. Consider the church that’s eighty-plus sermons into a single book of the Bible — your daily reading gives you more Bible! Likewise, singing in private will help you sing the songs of our faith when we gather in corporate worship. And prayer… who doesn’t need to spend time thanking God for who He is and asking Him for help? So singles — whether young or old — “family worship” for you is “private worship,” and it is just as important to your spiritual growth as it is for a family with little kids. 

Second, I want to set honest expectations for those who take up this practice. The Scriptures commend family worship (though without prescribing a rigid method), and our Reformed heritage has long taught its value. But it is not a magic pill for spiritual maturity or peace in your home. Family worship is simply an ordinary part of the life in an obedient Christian home, just like weekly corporate worship is. That means its fruit is usually slow and cumulative — not dramatic or immediate. God ordinarily works through ordinary things, done faithfully, over a long time. So don't practice family worship expecting a shortcut to godly children or a peaceful home. Practice it because God has commanded it, and because it is good for your soul and theirs.

Last, let me speak about the heart behind family worship. Deciding to do family worship on a regular basis — whether one day a week or seven — can’t be about earning God’s favor or patting yourself on the back for your discipline. It must be — as must all things — ultimately for God’s glory. When we practice family worship, the benefits to us are immense, but the glory is all for the Lord. We gather to read, sing, and pray that He might be exalted in our hearts and imaged in our lives. We worship because He is so worthy of our worship. 

So, singles, join us in practicing “family worship.” Everyone, don’t treat it like a silver bullet. And as in all things in the Christian life, worship as a family for the glory of God — in your home, in the church, and to the ends of the earth.

Rev. Kyle W. A. Lockhart, Pastor