p. 9 | Family Worship by Mrs. B. J. Cady

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 25, 1902

Family Worship

By Mrs. B. J. Cady

MRS. B. J. CADY

For some reason many children of Christian parents have a decided dislike for family worship, and are glad to find some excuse for being absent from it. Sometimes the parents themselves do not enjoy it, but neglect it day after day. When weeks go by, and the children never hear their parents pray or talk of spiritual things except in the Sabbath meetings, is it any wonder that they begin to think that religion is not of very much importance, and that an outward form of worship on the Sabbath is all that is necessary?

Now we know that we must have a heart religion, and that we must be saved from sin every day of the week. So we need to seek the Lord every day for strength and grace; and we are also under obligations to teach the Word of God to our children.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:6, 7.

Though we are to improve every opportunity of teaching the things of God to those around us, making them the principal theme of our conversation as we sit in our homes or walk by the way, it is well to have regular times at the beginning and close of the day's work, when all work and care should be laid aside, and all the members of the household seek the Lord together.

Family worship can and should be made interesting and attractive to the younger as well as to the older members of the family. But when the father does all the reading and praying, and the others have nothing to do but to attempt to keep the mind upon what is being said, the natural result is that the mind often wanders in forbidden paths, and the ears are deaf to that which they should hear. The longer the reading continues, the harder it is for the child to listen to it; so it is much more effectual to read a few verses or a short chapter than to read one long chapter, or two or three short ones at one time.

I think that the practice of reading around is a most excellent one,—each child who is old enough to read having a Bible of his own, and taking his turn at reading in the family circle. Just the thought that he has a part in it increases his interest. Then, too, when we see a thing with our own eyes, it makes a deeper impression upon our minds; and this is especially so with children. It may take a few minutes longer than when one does the reading alone, but the little extra time it takes will not be lost. The children are not so liable to dread the hour of worship, and try to avoid it, but they learn to enjoy it. Even an older person who is desirous of getting all the good possible from the reading will prefer to take part himself.

If the evening worship were not left till bedtime, it would be more enjoyable. For some time we have practiced having worship as soon after dark as we were all through with our work, and ready to sit down together for the evening. Our minds are then wide awake, and in a good condition to appreciate spiritual things, and children and all are present to take part. If left till late in the evening, some have gone to sleep, and all are liable to be too drowsy to get much benefit from the exercise. After the worship is finished, each one is free to spend the evening as he chooses, and can retire when he gets ready. We have found that this plan works well in our family, and so I mention it, that others may try it if they see fit.

The Lord has given us some instruction in regard to his worship in our homes. He says, through the spirit of prophecy, “You have not zealously performed your duty to your children. You have not devoted sufficient time to family prayer, and you have not required the presence of the entire household.

. . . The father is in one sense the priest of the household, laying upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice. The wife and children should be encouraged to unite in this offering, and also to engage in the song of praise. Morning and evening, the father, as priest of the household, should confess to God the sins committed by himself and his children through the day. Those sins which have come to his knowledge, and also those which are secret, of which God's eye alone has taken cognizance, should be confessed. This rule of action, zealously carried out by the father when he is present, or by the mother when he is absent, will result in blessings to the family.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol II, page 701.

Notice that we should require the presence of the entire household at the family prayers. The little ones should not be allowed to run around outside and play while their parents are reading and praying, regardless of their children. This service is as much for the children as for the parents, and they must be taught of their Creator in the days of their youth, or how can they be expected to remember him?