Creating a Family Worship Space
How do you begin a family worship practice at home? The answers to that question are as varied as the many families who worship together at home, but I have found that one of the best ways to begin is to create a family worship center
The one above is in my office, but you can use whatever you have available. It can be in your entry way, at the kitchen table or in the family room - just make sure it is a place your family is together. You could use a napkin or placement (maybe in the liturgical color of the season - right now we are in the green of the Season after Pentecost). You can place anything that matters to your family on the cloth - photos of people you love, things that remind you of a special family trip or outing, whatever is growing in your yard, a Bible or a devotional you might use and maybe a candle or two.
Once it is set up - how do you use it? Gather your family and invite them to breath quietly for a minute or two. You might want to begin with a favorite Bible passage or with a conversation about how the day has gone (in the evening) or what challenges might happen during the day (in the morning). A simple sentence such as "God, we come to you this day" is a good way to begin a prayer time. Then invite each family member to lift up something that is on their heart. You could frame these offerings in "this way -prayers of thanks, prayers of help, prayers for others, and p" or rayers of wow. You can respond to each offering with "hear our prayer" or "For this we pray." Once everyone has had a chance to speak, end with a sentence of thanks such as "thank you God for loving us" or "Bless us on our way, Lord."
There is no right or wrong way to do this. When we invite God among us, God always comes. It doesn't matter if our words are eloquent or fragile or tearful or excited. Offer your hearts and let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some things you might try at your prayer space. In the meantime, Take a photo of the worship space your family creates and share it! I'll make a slide show of our centers to share!
The one above is in my office, but you can use whatever you have available. It can be in your entry way, at the kitchen table or in the family room - just make sure it is a place your family is together. You could use a napkin or placement (maybe in the liturgical color of the season - right now we are in the green of the Season after Pentecost). You can place anything that matters to your family on the cloth - photos of people you love, things that remind you of a special family trip or outing, whatever is growing in your yard, a Bible or a devotional you might use and maybe a candle or two.
Once it is set up - how do you use it? Gather your family and invite them to breath quietly for a minute or two. You might want to begin with a favorite Bible passage or with a conversation about how the day has gone (in the evening) or what challenges might happen during the day (in the morning). A simple sentence such as "God, we come to you this day" is a good way to begin a prayer time. Then invite each family member to lift up something that is on their heart. You could frame these offerings in "this way -prayers of thanks, prayers of help, prayers for others, and p" or rayers of wow. You can respond to each offering with "hear our prayer" or "For this we pray." Once everyone has had a chance to speak, end with a sentence of thanks such as "thank you God for loving us" or "Bless us on our way, Lord."
There is no right or wrong way to do this. When we invite God among us, God always comes. It doesn't matter if our words are eloquent or fragile or tearful or excited. Offer your hearts and let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some things you might try at your prayer space. In the meantime, Take a photo of the worship space your family creates and share it! I'll make a slide show of our centers to share!