by Rev. John MacDonald, Staffin
Although family worship is greatly neglected in our day it used to be observed in almost every family, in Scotland at least, until recent times. It was considered obligatory upon the heads of families to engage in this exercise after gathering their family together, usually at a set hour every morning and evening in their own home. They were seeking in this way to give the Lord the worship and reverence which is His due. This example should be followed, with the family cordially and prayerfully entering upon this act of worship, seeking to be found “In the unity of the spirit and in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), worshipping the Lord.
The head of the family leads in this exercise and may give a verse to read to every member of the family until the end of the chapter is reached: thus it can truly be called “family worship”. It is usual to read day by day until the whole of Scripture is systematically read through. The exercise should commence with the head of the family praying for God’s blessing upon the word to be read and sung. In some families the head of the household alone reads with the rest of the family uniting with him in the singing of a portion of the psalm read. Family worship is concluded by a word of prayer and sometimes by a few words of exhortation or explanation in simple terms for the sake of the younger members present. This practice may vary from family to family, but, where it is followed, it has often proved beneficial to both old and young. Children, when they have learned to read for themselves, can be asked here and there throughout the chapter which verse is being read. In this way their attention is secured.
Some in later years and in diverse situations could recollect portions read from the Scriptures at their own firesides during their tender years by loved ones now removed by death. Parents cannot conceive of the blessing that may follow from this act of worship and they are to seek by example and precept to implant in the hearts of their off-spring the “precious seed”. There are those who think that they are relieved from having morning worship because their lawful calling necessitates early rising, but this is not so. We ought to perform this duty even when alone, and allow ourselves time for its observance. “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and look up.” (Psalm 5:3.)
This, of course, may lead to the question: “At what time ought we to keep family worship?” Can we say with the psalmist, “Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice?” (Psalm 55:17). Generally family worship is held at both ends of the day. In many families it is usual to have worship early in the evening and this is commendable because it is held before the very young retire for the night. Consequently all members of the family are present and can join together in the worship of God. The morning act of family worship may present difficulties because of the disparity between the ages of the individual members of the family. For this reason some families have to hold family worship at least twice in the same morning; nevertheless, this should be done if the situation requires it. There are also difficulties which present themselves to those newly married. These have to be resolved at the outset of married life. A husband may feel too self-conscious to perform family worship in the presence of his wife whom, it may be, has never heard of this act of worship. A wife, for the same reason, may not feel it her duty to inform her husband of his responsibility and she may fear the consequences of her action. Young men and women should seek to discuss this matter with their intended life-partners before being joined in marriage.
The Lord Jesus must be given the pre-eminent place in our lives. All families, whether old or young, should determine to keep family worship together. Whatever else we may disagree about there ought to be harmony in this matter of worshipping together. Does the Lord not promise, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,” Matt. 18:20. If He be for us, ” . . . who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). If Christ is given His proper place in our lives there will be peace. Let old and young who may have neglected this duty resolve forthwith to worship Him Who is worthy of our worship and service in our families as well as in public. Members of families should pray with, and for, one another and for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, not only on their own families, but upon all. It is the Spirit who takes of the things of Christ and reveals them unto us. (John 16:13, 14).
May this imperfect effort to bring before readers this important duty, stir some up in connection with their duty, as far as family worship is concerned, notwithstanding their sense of their own unfitness for this solemn duty.