can slowly add to the list. mid-week prayer meeting to hear young children adding their simple prayers in the midst of those of more seasoned prayer warriors. They have learned to pray at home and are not daunted by praying in public as so many adults are. Ask your children what they want to pray for, pray through a list of extended family and your congregation, and gently guide them in their prayer with en- couragement and example. This is also an opportunity to teach our children to pray for those in authority rather than continually berating and slandering
Catechetical instruction is also a wonderful means for training our children
will be surprised how quickly great truths are assimilated. I often ask questions during sermons that are directed to the children and are answerable with the Children’s Catechism. Thus, the link between public and family worship are reinforced for the whole church family.
The Benefits of Family Worship For: Parents
I guarantee that as you practice family worship in this way you will be chal- lenged to explain, to lead, and to sing, and you will grow in grace and ability. It you are daily to instructing your children in the Word of God you will be more inclined to watch your own walk before them. - ents opportunity to see your children’s sensitivity to spiritual things and so more appropriately challenge, comfort, and equip them for the trials they are and with them. -
- viction, and live in the wilful neglect of this duty, your families are like to be
Children
Hearing their parents praying for their salvation and spiritual well-being, taking time to read the Word to them and to explain it, will impress upon chil- dren the need to look to their souls, and by God’s grace, they will grow up in a be quickened very early on.
Family worship also introduces children to the discipline of the Christian life and their own private devotion, and love for public worship will be nurtured. doctrine are introduced in a rather painless manner. How often have you had a long-forgotten hymn or song pop into your head during a sermon when the minister mentioned a point of doctrine? Often those songs go back to your youth. - dren to see that though no one’s profession is without blemish, there is a true desire for godliness which motivates this parental duty. Our children will be
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growing up with a sense that all is under God and is to be rendered to His glory.
Finally, a not inconsiderable ben-
- ily worship ensures time together as a family in an increasingly fragmented society. It fosters mutual affection by praying for each other, and forgive- ness and reconciliation are facilitated.
The Church
Those who pray together in preparation for public worship are be a blessing to the pastor by their of the church will be a blessing to that mission and a means for the educa- tion of the family in this important ministry. Finally, prayer for the trials of others in the church family are a
Directory for Private and Family Worship
- erning documents has provided a list - - -
- ly delights in his commandments! 2 His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright
Revered Jeff Kingswood is the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Wood- stock, Ontario.
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
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