What is family worship?
Family Worship is a name often given to the concept of doing intentional Christian discipleship in the home. The activity may include the same kinds of things we do each Sunday morning as a gathered church – such as Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, singing worshipful songs, and reciting and/or discussing catechism questions. Family Worship used to be very common among Christian families, and it was once understood as the foundation upon which all Christian discipleship is built.
You may use any structure that seems appropriate for you and your family, but I recommend following the outline below for this Sunday.
A Special Word to FBC Diana
FBC Diana members,
I want to encourage you to take time for Bible reading and study, prayer, and singing again this Sunday. Family and/or personal time devoted to such things is critical to our growth as Christians. You may use any structure that seems appropriate for you and/or your family, but I recommend following the outline below.
Scripture Reading
Read Psalm 135 aloud.
Prayer
Confession. Think of ways you and others might have sinned this previous week. Don’t accuse others in your prayer but do try to confess specific ways sin has been expressed in your home and family life.
Supplication. Ask for God’s help in various ways. Here are some topics you might consider praying about:
- Pray for those most at risk and likely most fearful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Pray for widows, widowers, and those isolated in our community.
- Pray for younger and healthier church members to show love and care for elderly and/or sick church members.
- Pray for God to help us all to grow in our trust in Him.
- Pray for God to use this time of fear and uncertainty to draw sinners to Himself.
- Pray for church members and other Christians in our community to be prepared to have gospel conversations with those who are more interested in spiritual conversations during this time.
- Pray that our church members will continue to be thoughtful and intentional with their financial giving… and that we will all be good stewards.
Discussion Questions
You might spend some time simply talking through Psalm 135. And you might also use the following questions to help guide your discussion.
- What are some of the reasons in this passage that we should praise God?
- How does Galatians 3:27-29 help Christians to understand and enjoy the declaration in verse 4?
- How do verses 5 through 7 help us (1) to trust God, (2) to rest in God’s sovereignty, and (3) to know that God is in charge of everything?
- How do verses 8 through 14 speak of both God’s distribution of judgment and His provision of blessing?
- How might Christians be warned and comforted by verses 8 through 14?
- How might non-Christians be warned by verses 8 through 14, and how might they be offered hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- How do verses 15 through 18 contrast the power and uniqueness of God with the impotence of false gods?
- What are some ways that we might “trust in” finances, experiences, personal health, or political agendas (Think of the kind of trust we ought to have in God alone)?
- Looking especially at verses 19 through 21, how should we respond to the truths we learn about God from this passage?
- What does it mean to “bless the LORD”? How might we specifically do that right now?
Songs to Sing
You might sing some familiar songs you like, and/or you might also sing the songs below. The lyrics and audio are linked for your convenience.
What’er My God Ordains is Right
Scripture Reading
Read Psalm 136 aloud.
Prayer
Thanks and praise. Offer thanks and praise to God for specific things that come to your mind today… maybe from recent personal experience or maybe from something in the Scripture or songs or discussion today.
Marc Minter is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Diana, TX. He and his wife, Cassie, have two sons, Micah and Malachi.
Connect with Marc on Twitter or Facebook.
Holding the Line 