Deus Misereatur

  (I sent this to my congregation today) Family worship is near and dear to my heart. It is something our family has practiced since our oldest kids were little, and Anna and I still follow. Here are two principles and some practicalities to encourage you in taking up family worship. There are two rules-of-thumb: (1) Simplicity; and (2) Persistence.   The first principle to always keep in mind is simplicity. Family Worship is not a seminary class. Instead, it is meant to aid everyone in the home to: (1) glorify and enjoy God; (2) draw near and know God better; and (3) worship God. Here are some practical considerations: (a) The capacities of the family at this moment. Normally (but not always) the older the family members, then the weightier the material. (b) Find the best time of day for your family. Are most of you night owls or morning people? When do most of your bodies begin to wind down and become drowsy? Once you find the time, make it the usual, steady arrangem...

  Lord God, we come to intercede for your Church and world. We ask you to strengthen this congregation that in doing all things without complaining and disputing, we may become increasingly blameless, pure in quality, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:14-15). Be pleased to make us even more harmonious and to become more clearly a sign of grace to our fractured and fragmented world. Also, add to this church such as are being saved; and add to us in such a way as will mirror the new heavens and new earth, reflecting the new Jerusalem in which will dwell people from every tribe, tongue, nationality, and economic strata, gathered around your throne exalting you and hearing you say, “ Behold, I am making all things new ” (Revelation 21:1-5)! We ask for your ongoing help, strength, protection, deliverance and sustenance of your Church throughout the world, especially in places where she is being abused and persecuted; but als...