Recommendations- Family Worship Guide May 9, 2007
Posted by Erin in : Family Worship Series , add a commentJoe,
I realized that I cut you off on the catechism. You said you had wanted to go more into it and I just plunged on ahead. Please forgive me for not looking back at your post. Feel free to jump back and say anything more about that. Maybe you could include more when we do a catechism recommendation.
Today I am going to recommend a few family worship guides. I know there are many people out there who are just plain intimidated by the thought of leading family worship. These guides are a great blessing to help lead and guide you in your family worship time.
First I just wanted to recommend one book and sermon on family worship. The book is by Don Whitney and is called Family Worship and comes highly recommended by many well-respected theologians and writers. And the sermon is one by George Whitefield called The Great Duty of Family Religion on the text of Joshua 24:15.
And then as far as family worship guides go, I have not seen many out there, but the ones from Children’s Desiring God look wonderful. We ordered the two family devotional guides that they offer in their Intergenerational Curricula. The first is called The Righteous Shall Live by Faith and is a study for the family on the ten commandments. The second is called Lord, Teach Us to Pray and is a family devotional study on Jesus’ teaching on prayer. Both have 13 lessons are are recommended from ages 1st grade to adult. So we haven’t started using them yet, but Abby is nearing the age.
Hopefully these resources will be a help in giving you a place to start or a sample to follow. And Joe, you, may even have some more to add!
Rejoicing together with you,
Erin
Primary Components - Seasons of Life May 8, 2007
Posted by Joe in : Family Worship Series , add a commentErin,
Good work yesterday, even though there isn’t a whole lot you can say about reading a Children’s Bible, particularly without recommending one. We’ll get to that in a few days. I will say that there seems to be something special about a child having his/her own Bible. Maybe it is because we were created to be ‘owners’ of some sort. I’m not sure, but I know that Abigail definitely likes the fact that she has her own Bible to refer to. She can be just like Dad and Mom. She can begin to understand the importance of investing into that book. So, each child having his/her own Bible seems like a good thing.
I want to wrap up this section with a few words regarding the various seasons of life different families might be in. I know we were going to say a few words about a family guide to worship times, but I figured we could wait on that until the recommendations section. Anyhow, seasons of life. For us, things change quite consistently. New schedules have to be adjusted to. Children grow up and are able to handle different readings, etc. One minute Elijah is sitting on your lap (and having a hard time doing so), and the next minute he is memorizing Bible verses! It is amazing how quickly things change!
That being said, we need to exercise wisdom. We need to pray and discuss the best time to come together daily as a family. We then need to discern what would be best to do right now. Every family is different. Different ages. Different schedules. Different everything. Therefore, no one’s time together as a family will look like ours (or anyone else’s). And your time together as a family will probably look different now than it will in say, 1 or 2 years. Don’t get stuck in a rut! Allow things to be switched up a little. Shake it up. Discern which season of life you are in and make the proper adjustments.
Coming together daily as a family is indeed, a wonderful practice. I do think it is impossible to underestimate the various impacts of this daily coming together as one before the Lord. Surely, it pleases Him. So let us be wise in our decisions on what to do and when to do it. And let us be diligent to gather before the Lord daily for the glory of His great name and the good of our own souls!
Seeking Him with you,
Joe
Primary Components - Children’s Bible Reading May 7, 2007
Posted by Erin in : Family Worship Series , add a commentJoe,
We are nearing the end of the components section, but I wanted to mention another area that is very helpful for those families with young children. And that area is the reading of the children’s Bible.
We believe that no matter how young the children, the reading of the adult Bible is still applicable. But in addition, the children’s Bible really helps young ones by using pictures and language that can bring God’s Word to life for children. There are different set-ups for different “levels” of children’s Bibles as well. Some of the ones intended for younger readers are set up in chapters that cover large sections of the Bible at time. While others, like the ESV children’s Bible, correspond more with the adult Bible.
We do not make our adult Bible reading and our children’s Bible reading match. Since we still have young ones, we are reading a children’s Bible that covers large areas of Scripture in one chapter. So we simply read a chapter a day and continue on until we reach the end and then start over. Now when special seasons come around, like Christmas or Easter, we will skip around to read specific chapters.
When we get to the recommendations we will offer up a number of different children’s Bibles.
Reading God’s Word in as many ways as possible,
Erin
Quote May 5, 2007
Posted by Erin in : General Lessons , add a commentJoe,
Today I thought I would share a quote from a book we both finished reading a few months ago and gleaned valuable wisdom from called “The New Six Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children” by John Rosemond.
All children can be counted on to throw tantrums of one sort of another. For one thing, children come into the world devoid of any tolerance for frustration. For another, their original point of view is a self-centered (egocentric) one. Whatever they want, the believer they deserve. Parents need to slowly but surely help their children dismantle that self-centeredness and replace it with a sense of social responsibility- a willingness to put personal concerns aside for the sake of family, friendship, and society. It could be said that this is a parent’s most important function. It is the essence of the socialization process, and that process involves a certain amount of discomfort. A young, undersocialized child’s natural reaction to discomfort and disillusionment is a tantrum. Looked at from this perspective, a tantrum expresses the pain of relinquishing self-centeredness and developing a mature understanding of how the world works. It’s essential, therefore, that parents learn how to say no to their children and say it with conviction.
Seeking to lead our children into God-centeredness,
Erin
Primary Components - Catechism May 4, 2007
Posted by Joe in : Family Worship Series , add a commentErin,
Good work on the memorization front yesterday. I have especially been amazed by Abigail’s ability to memorize longer passages. I mean, I knew that children are able to soak things up easier, but the memorization aspect of things has especially stood out.
In that vein, I figured I would forward today by discussing the use of a Cathechism. Here is what I found when I looked it up on Wikipedia.
“A catechism (κατηχιsmός in Greek) is a summary or exposition of doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present.[1] Catechisms are doctrinal manuals often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized, a format that has been used in non-religious or secular contexts as well (see FAQ).
Catechesis is an elementary form of religious instruction, typically oral, and traditionally under the guidance of a parent, pastor or priest, religious teacher, or other individuals in church roles (including a deacon, religious brother or sister, or nun) who poses set questions and prompts students (or disciples) toward understanding the answers given. Catechetics is the practice of this kind of instruction, or the study of it, including training in such instruction.”
That sums things up quite well I believe. A catechism is a summary of Christian doctrine, often using a question and answer format that lends itself to rote memorization. Catechesis is simply instructing someone in that catechismal format.
First, I would say that this is format of instruction is sadly, in much neglect today. Many of our “Bible-believing” churches today have moved away from instructing their members in a catechism. And by members, I, of course, mean adults. For a catechism is a simple and effective way of training people in the basics of Christian doctrine. It is also a comprehensive way to do so. That is, a good catechism (of which there are many we will later recommend), summarizes Christian doctrine as a whole. It doesn’t ‘water it down’, but it does summarize it so that it can be memorized or at least readily understood by anyone reading.
That being said, I think it is important to note that the memorizational element of catechismal instruction is a much underestimated tool in the raising of children and also, the leadership and teaching of Christians. I say underestimated, because I think that rote memorization has somehow come to be looked down upon by modern-folks like us. For whatever reason, we just don’t think it is an effective tool to learning. Well, I (and you) strongly disagree. For memorization is a very powerful learning tool (in every sphere) in that it enables specific facts and anything else to sink down deep into our thinking. And the way our minds work, I would even argue that memorization serves to renew our minds at the deepest levels of our being. I can’t explain exactly how it works, but it does work. And when it comes to the memorization of a complete body of Christian doctrine (along with Scripture, not substituting for it!), the effects of such memorization are incalculable.
Again, we end up at the reality that the things which come hardest to us are usually most beneficial. Memorization is not easy at all. But as we might expect, it pays great dividends! As it relates to family worship time, we are wise to start slow and remain slow. Memorization seems to be easiest and most effective when we do it little by little. For catechismal instruction, we usually ask and answer a question out loud until Abigail can give the answer by herself with little effort (she is 3 years old). And after she learns a new question, we review every other question. It only takes a few minutes a day (I’ll spare you the math today!), but it is a amazing how much you can learn by giving this practice just a few minutes a day!
I could say more, and maybe more needs to be said. Let’s take a look at making a catechism Part 2. Until then,
Seeking to be a faithful catechist with you,
Joe
Primary Components - Bible Memorization May 3, 2007
Posted by Erin in : Family Worship Series , add a commentJoe,
Thanks for the great exhortation to pray. I am sure that others reading it were stirred in their private prayer life as well as in praying together as a family as I was.
I am going to talk about a fourth primary component of family worship times, being that of Bible memorization. This is an area that we did not employ until a few months ago, but I think has already reaped some rewards and will bear much fruit in the future.
Bible memorization has been a great tool to store God’s Word into our heart as a family. As we memorize Scripture, we are then able to use that Scripture in the every day training and teaching of our children.
But not only are we able to use this Scripture right now, but we are giving our children a great start in the battle against sin. So many times in my walk with Christ have I wanted to have a Scripture that speaks to me right on the tip of my tongue. And although I have memorized a relatively good amount of God’s Word in my 6 1/2 years as a Christian, I would always love to have more. Imagine the gift you can give your child if they start memorizing Scripture at an early age.
I will try and pull out some of Joe’s math here to illustrate this. If you average over the years of their lives from ages 3-18 about 1 verse every two weeks (and I think these numbers are easily attainable when looking at averages over these years), they are memorizing about 26 verses a year for 15 years. After those 15 years they will have stored up 390 Bible verses! I know for sure I don’t have that many memorized right now!
This is a wonderful practice to teach your children to employ in their lives. Many people are so intimidated by Scripture memory, but when taught at an early age to start, it does not seem intimidating. And the earlier they start the easier time they will have with fighting the flesh to make it a part of their every day battle for joy in God.
We will give some helps for memorizing Scripture if you want to do it a verse at a time. But what we are doing right now is taking larger portions of Scripture and memorizing them. We are working our way through the Sermon on the Mount right now and take a section at a time to be memorized. All we do is continually read it over and over again and slowly it is memorized. I believe we started this about 3 months ago and we already have 26 verses memorized. That is well beyond by verse every two week average!
So I encourage every family to take some time to add Scripture memory to their daily family time. It will reap great rewards both now and in the future!
Storing God’s Word in my heart with you,
Erin
Primary Components - Prayer May 2, 2007
Posted by Joe in : Family Worship Series , add a commentErin,
Good words yesterday on the importance of singing hymns and the various benefits that accompany the practice. I always enjoy reading your posts!
Well, today’s topic is on the place of prayer within our family times of worship. What shall I say? Or where shall I start? How shall I lay a case for prayer?! Well, to begin with, we can say that prayer is central to the Christian life. It is a foundational discipline that is sadly ignored. Of course, most Christians do not ignore it because it is not important, but because it is hard! True prayer is very hard. To learn to wait upon the Lord in prayer is definitely not easy. And really, it is isn’t easy because it is so humbling. To bring our every need before God (every single day and moment!) is a humbling thing. And it is probably for this reason that so many Christians struggle with prayer. At root, I know that that was the main reason why I struggled with it.
Yet we are wise to remember that prayer is a central discipline not simply b/c it is difficult, but because it is a chief means through which God aims to bring Himself glory and manifest Himself to us. And those really are beautiful realities that cannot be fully unpacked here. But suffice it to say that when we pray to God (asking Him for whatever) and He grants our request, He receives the glory and we receive the joy. We are delighted to receive what we desire and God is delighted to receive what He deserves. It is a wonderful arrangement indeed!
Also, though, we have to mention the fact that our highest joy is not simply getting what we asked for–or at least it should not be. Our highest joy is beholding the glory of the One who answered! That is, when the Lord hears and answers our petitions in the name of His Son, He reveals His bounty, His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His freedom, His sovereignty, His power and more! He manifests Himself. He makes Himself known to us in a very personal way. And this manifestation serves to do a thousand things in our lives. It strengthens our faith in Him. It humbles us when a clear vision of His glory. It helps us grow in holiness (b/c we behold the Holy One). On and on we could go. The Lord sanctifies us through prayer not only in the very act, but in the answers, b/c He reveals the glory of the Answerer!
Therefore, it is vital for us to teach our child how to pray. It is vital for us to guide them and model for them what it means to cry out to God. They are desperate to pray, b/c they are so desperate! And how else will they learn, but from us. Indeed, we could say that they will learn from us whether we guide them or not. If prayer is not a priority in our homes, our children will know it. They will sense it. No amount of dinner table prayers will change their minds. They will not be fooled.
That being said, a life of continual and spontaneous prayer is the natural result of consistent times of planned prayer. Yes, that is right. And that is a lesson that the church today (and families) desperately needs to learn. We need to set aside the time to pray. We need to plan to pray. For only then will prayer begin to gain the central place that it should have in our lives!
So, let us labor to lead our children in prayer. And let us do so everyday. No need to whip out the statistics here. Five minutes a day adds up–big time. May the Lord grant us the grace to be diligent so that the next generation might be a generation that faithfully and forcefully prays!
Praying to the Father with you,
Joe
Primary Components - Hymns May 1, 2007
Posted by Erin in : Family Worship Series , add a commentJoe,
Thanks for the great start to this section with thoughts on the importance of the Word of God. Again, I really enjoyed seeing how just a short amount of time can make such a huge impact on our lives.
I thought I would hit upon the component that we usually do first in our family worship time, which is the singing of hymns. The reason we find this component to be so crucial to starting off the family worship time is the way that song raises our emotions. But it is not just the music itself, but the incredible truths that the words of the hymn teach us.
Research has certainly shown that people are able to memorize things much easier when set to music. This is wonderful news for those of us who are singing hymns in our family worship times. Because many hymns are so deep and rich in their Bible truth, we are able to get the deep truths of God down into our hearts easily. And you know how songs tend to stick in your head. How wonderful it is to have hymns being sung through out the day by various members of the family.
We usually take as long as we need to to memorize a hymn. Sometimes it only takes a week, or sometimes, as is the case right now while we are singing “Onward Christian Soldiers”, you may spend a few weeks on one hymn. I would suggest that in special seasons, like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, that you pick hymns that especially speak the truths that are being celebrated in those holidays.
Singing raises joy in our hearts, so step out and sing a song unto the Lord! We will suggest some helps for hymn singing in our next section on family worship.
Until then, making a joyful noise to the Lord with you,
Erin