Family Devotions Part 2--Praise
In this the second article on family devotions in our discussion of Family Worship, we turn our attention to the component of praise. Many times praise is associated with singing, but there are other forms of praise as well. Family devotions creates an opportunity for family members to talk about the evidences of God’s grace in their lives and to talk about the greatness of God. Children learn from a young age that everything they have is from God. They begin to understand what God has done for us in Christ and continues to do for us everyday through His grace. In addition, praising God for who He is gives parents a chance to talk about God’s character, such as His goodness and love. While this time of praise can and should occur throughout the daily life of a family, family devotions are a time dedicated specifically to the praise of God for who He is and what He has done. I know of one family that during family devotions requires their children to say one thing from the day that they praise God for. This time of family devotions has created a valuable teaching tool for the children to learn that God is the one who they must thank and praise for everything. As they grow, they will continue to learn that God is the author of every good thing. It is also a good reminder for adults. While children learn to thank and praise God, adults are reminded of the blessings of God which they have lost sight off in the busyness of life. Even in the darkest of times, everyone needs to be reminded that there are always reasons to praise God.
Numerous resources are available to assist in times of singing praises. Karyn Henley has published a song book called My First Hymnal. Another resource by the same name has been published by the Hal Leonard Corporation. It even includes a musical instrument. More resources for children’s music can be found on Amazon.com. Songs can benefit children because they are interactive and repetitive, solidifying ideas in their minds. For those families with teens or no children at all, classic hymns can be found in the Trinity Hymnal, while more contemporary songs can be found in books like Best of Contemporary Christian : Over 400 Songs by Hal Leonard Corp. Many songs can be augmented by discussing the life of the person behind the music. For instance, books by Kenneth Osbeck, such as 101 Hymn Stories, give background information as to what events motivated the songwriter to pen the words they did.
The important thing to remember is that singing is a means to praise God. He can and should be praised through song as well as times of sharing, testimony, and prayer.
