Family Worship Tips

If you've never had family worship with your children, it may be a little daunting. But it's as easy as calling to them, "Come on, kids. I'm going to read you a story."

Using the Family Bible Story, begin by reading one of the bedtime stories located at the end of each chapter. If your kids are unfamiliar with the Bible story, show them the pictures from the book and say that you're going to read about this person. You don't have to begin with the first story in the book. Look through the book and start with the stories you sense your kids will like most.

After reading the story, look at the pictures with your children. Many are rich with detail. Let them point out animals and other things. Talk about the faces of the people. "Does she look happy?" "Does he look sad?" "What would you do if you were there?"

Teach your kids to pray.

Close with a brief prayer.

Some families like to join hands in a prayer circle. Others teach their children to fold their hands and close their eyes.

Sample prayer 1: Dear Jesus, thank You for this story of Joseph [or whoever you've just read about]. Thank You for loving us just as much as You loved him. Amen"

Sample prayer 2: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for this story of Joseph. Please help [your child's name] to be strong and obey You just as Joseph did.

And if your children beg for another story-read it.

And then . . .

As you become comfortable with family worships, you will want to vary what you do. Depending on the age of your kids, you might take turns reading aloud. Go to the back of the book and look at the photos and read the extra information that enlarges understanding of the stories. Let your kids quiz you on it. They'll enjoy that! You can quiz each other on details of the stories, too.

You may start or end worship with a song.

With a few props-such as a towel head dress and stick shepherd's staff-encourage your children to act out the stories. Older kids may even want to rewrite the stories-or a script for a play-by themselves.

Read the stories from your Bible, or theirs.

Keep it up

Be consistent. Have worship on a regular basis. If you decide to do it every Saturday evening, write it on your family calendar and do it! If it's the last thing you do with your kids before they go to bed-do it! If they're extra tired or wound up with excitement, just have a prayer with them. But be consistent.

And if you miss a few days, just start it again.

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