Resources for Family Worship

It warmed my heart to have some of our members come up to me after our service last week (having been convicted by the morning message) and ask if I could recommend some resources for their family worship times. They have been trying to be diligent in their family devotions, but have found that it is hard to keep at it without some sort of guide.

I post my recommendations, so that you may benefit too. If you have any to recommend, please do.

Charles Bridges, A Commentary on Proverbs. (Online Version)

This commentary works great for family devotions because Bridges gives practical, yet brief, comments on each of the proverbs. Even though it was first published in the mid 1800's, you will find that it is quite contemporary and highly devotional.

Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening. (Online Version)

Spurgeon is always a gem, no matter what you read, because his eloquence serves to enhance his stirring exhortations. This is no less true for this work. As the title suggests, each day of the year has two readings, one to open the day and one to close it. Families can use one entry per day if that would serve their purposes. Some entries are better than others, but every one will help you to thoughtfully reflect on the passage.

William Childs Robinson, The Christian Faith According to the Shorter Catechism. (Online Version)

Sadly, I cannot find this in print, but it is worth downloading and printing out. Robinson's commentary on the Shorter Catechism comes in the form of exhortations to young people. As a result the sermonic feel keeps it from sounding like dry theology.

Starr Meade, Training Hearts, Teaching Minds.

This is another brief development of the Shorter Catechism designed for the young in age or young in faith. It is formatted much like some contemporary daily devotionals such as "Today" or "Our Daily Bread," with Scripture passages to look up and a very brief explanation. Each catechism question is developed over a week long period, so that you can memorize the Q&A.

Search the Scriptures

This work may extend your family time a little longer, but it will help you to seriously reflect on Scripture. The work assigns a chapter or two of Scripture and offers questions for reflection and discussion. To keep variety the book bounces back and forth between OT and NT.

Terry Johnson, The Family Worship Book: A Resource Book for Family Devotions

I have not read this book, but Johnson is a great man of God who is devoted to God-honoring worship. The blurb from the CBD cite describes the book thus: This book "shows you why household devotions are important and how to get started. Sample outlines for services, prayers, calls to worship, creeds, a 3-year Bible reading plan, catechisms, texts of psalms and hymns, and more help you lead joyful, meaningful devotions for your loved ones." Remember too that it can be adapted to fit your needs.

The One Year Book of Hymns.

If you want to implement singing into your family time, or just become acquainted with theology rich songs, this is a great tool. The work contains 365 devotional readings based on the great hymns of the faith. Each day lists the hymn, some background to the writing of the hymn or devotional comment, Scripture and prayer.

Martin Lloyd-Jones, Walking with God Day by Day

Walking with God Day by Day offers brief daily devotionals that engage the mind and the heart. You will not just find spiritual nourishment in its pages; you will learn about God and the great themes of the Bible. Robert Backhouse has compiled excerpts from choice passages in the writings of Dr. Lloyd-Jones according to monthly themes. By reading this devotional, you will grow in your understanding of God and learn to apply the truth of His Word day by day.