Family worship
Historic orthodoxy
The regular worship of God in the home, led by the head of the household, usually with Scripture reading, prayer, and singing.
Also called: household worship, family devotions
What it means
Scripture gives parents, and especially fathers, the duty of teaching God's ways to their children "when you sit at home and when you walk along the road". Joshua resolved that he and his household would serve the Lord, and Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God with all his household.
Both the Westminster and 1689 confessions say God is to be worshipped "in private families daily". In practice this is simple: gathering the household, reading a passage of Scripture, perhaps explaining it or asking a catechism question, praying together, and singing a psalm or hymn. It need not be long or polished. Its power lies in faithfulness over years.
Family worship complements the church's public worship rather than replacing it. It is one of the main ways covenant children, and the children of Baptist homes, come to know the Lord. The site notes whether a church encourages and equips its families for it.
In Scripture
God's words are taught to children at home, on the road, at lying down and rising up.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
We will tell the coming generation the praises of the Lord, so that children yet unborn might know.
Fathers are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Cornelius and all his household were devout and God-fearing, and he prayed regularly.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 21.6; LBCF 1689 22.6
On this site: Catechesis & family worship
Related terms
CatechismTerm
A summary of Christian teaching in question-and-answer form, used to teach children and new believers the faith; catechesis is that teaching.
Covenant childrenA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching, held by paedobaptist churches, that the children of believers belong to the visible church as members of the covenant, though they come to the Lord's Table only after a credible profession of faith.