Who should lead?
“The father is here in his proper place, as the prophet and patriarch of his little State.” — Alexander, 193.
“It is incumbent to the head of every family to have a care, that both themselves, and all within their charge, be daily diligent herein” (Directory for Family Worship, Paragraph 1)
“The head of the family is to take care that none of the family withdraw himself from any part of family-worship” (Paragraph 4)
What is central, and where is there freedom in practice?
“First, Prayer and praises performed…Next, Reading of the scriptures, with catechising in a plain way” (Directory for Family Worship, Paragraph 2)
“The constituent parts of Family-Worship, when fully observed, are, first, the reading of the Scriptures; secondly, the singing of praise to God; and, thirdly, prayer” — J. W. Alexander, 193.
Read
Discuss
Pray
Sing
Catechize
Brevity
“The length of the domestic service is worthy of attention. It was the fault of our forefathers to make it insufferably long.” — Alexander, 194.
“Let family worship be short, savory, simple, tender, heavenly.” — Richard Cecil
young kids or new habit: 5 minutes
boiler plate: 10–15 minutes OR 10 minutes + 20 minutes
rarely: 20+ minutes
The What and How of Reading
The Whole Bible (over time)
“It is a wholesome rule which prescribes the New Testament for the morning, and the Old Testament for the evening, and which goes through these in regular order,” — Alexander, 206.
Engage others, even children, while you read
Share the reading
Inflect
Pause
Reading is Interpretation
“Half its meaning, and almost all its effect, are sometimes suffocated and lost, by a sleepy, monotonous, stupid, careless, inarticulate, drawling, or what is worse, an affected delivery.” — Alexander, 212.
Depth of Discussion
‘“I make no formal comment on the Scripture,” says Mr. Cecil, “but when any striking event or sentiment arises, I say, Mark that! See how God judges of that thing! Sometimes I ask what they think of the matter, and how such a thing strikes them.” A suitable pause, after some remarkable passage, is often itself a comment. The father may often with profit select a verse or more, from the morning lesson, to be meditated on, or committed to memory during the day.’ — Alexander, 208.
Prayer
“What has been said of brevity, applies especially to prayer, as a part of Family-Worship. Few things are more hardening and deadening in their influence, than the daily recurrence of long and unawakening prayers.” — Alexander, 197.
Singing
Catechism
Lord’s Prayer
Apostle’s Creed
Use Music
Pick a catechism book (Children’s First Catechism, New City Catechism, etc.)
Do one question a week
Memorize one scripture a month
Further Reading
Thoughts on Family Worship— J. W. Alexander
