The Institute for Family Studies and Communio jointly found that small spiritual practices woven into daily family life can have a major impact. One of those practices should be worship. Many people think of worship as the one hour we spend on Sunday morning, but what if it could be as simple as praying before each meal? Your family can weave worship into the daily routines you already have.
Why do we worship? It starts with God. We were made to worship the one true living God. The more your kids know about Him, the more likely worship will come naturally to them. Throughout your week, mention God’s provision or protection. On the car ride home from church, ask questions about the sermon or the story taught. Relate the Bible story to what your child is going through or needs at the moment. In the story of David and Goliath, we see that God gave David strength and courage. Remind your kids that even if they are small or young, they can still be strong and courageous with God’s help. The more you point them to God’s work and presence in their lives, the more likely they are to praise Him.
How do we worship? As we’ve discussed, worship can be formal, like we experience it on Sunday morning, but it can also look like:
Thanking God for a beautiful sunrise, His provision, or His creation
Choosing to obey Him
Encouraging your child to give a percentage of their allowance to the church
Singing the Doxology or any song about God
Reading your Bible and reflecting on God’s grace and goodness
Praying the Lord’s Prayer, mealtime prayers, or anytime prayers
Keep it simple. Think about how to weave worship into what you are already doing. Do you find yourself stuck in Nashville traffic? Listen to a Christian radio station such as K-LOVE 97.1, WayFM 88.7, or Air1 Worship 94.1. Pick one day a week to share three things or people you are thankful for. As you walk and talk, remind your child that God is with them. God sees them. God cares about them. Then pray for your child. When you drop them off at school, say: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” Take your child to Sunday morning worship with you. He might not be ready to sit for the whole hour, so start with 30 minutes of the service, then drop him off at child care.
Whatever you decide as a family, keep worship simple and practical, but remember it’s also an attitude of the heart. What you spend your time and money on shows your children more about what you value and worship than anything you say. A humbling thought, isn’t it?
—Sally Cressman is an author and freelance writer. Sign up for her newsletter at www.SallyCressman.com and receive “31 Prayers for Grandchildren.”
