Family Talk Night Light for Parents

A Lifestyle of Worship

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29

Nothing puts parenting, or life itself, in perspective quite like time spent praising our glorious God. The act of worship brings pleasure to our Maker (Proverbs 15:8) while increasing our determination to do what is right. Praising Him is not simply an obligation to cross off our “to do” list every Sunday morning, but a continuing lifestyle: “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever” (Psalm 89:1).

Judy’s family practiced that daily adoration when she was a girl. Even on vacation in a California wilderness, she remembers her family gathering in their small cabin after breakfast for the purpose of honoring God. Her older sister, Ruth, would open this time with a prayer. Then her brother, Jim, would lead the family in songs of praise on his guitar. Finally, Judy’s mother would read from the Bible and her father would talk about the meaning of the Scripture. “On many of those mornings, all I wanted to do was go out and play,” Judy says. “But it always set just the right tone for the rest of our day together. And today those worship times are among my sweetest memories.”

We have a Savior who is preparing a place for each of us in His kingdom (John 14:2). That’s always a reason for rejoicing and worship! Let’s gather our children around us every day to pray, study, and glorify God. As King David wrote, “I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart” (Psalm 86:12).

Before you say good night…

Does the act of worship change your perspective on parenting?

How might an increase in times of praise benefit your family?

Father, You are a mighty and glorious God! Even as we sing praises to You, we tremble before Your name. Help us to set aside time as a family to honor You, that we may renew our perspective as Your beloved children. Amen.

• From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson
  Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved.