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As biblical, stimulating, and renewing as worship with the assembly is, God wants your home to be a center of worship as well. How does that happen? Allow me to offer a few practical guidelines to enhance the spiritual atmosphere where you live. Kneel. Yes, Kneel! Kneeling is an acknowledged point of submission. It is a way to bring anything under Christ's dominion. Kneel as you begin the day: "Lord, this home is Yours for this day." That doesn't substitute for devotional praying, but it's a good way to start the day at you house under Jesus' Lordship (Philippians 2:9-11). When frustrations rise, anger stirs, bitterness simmers, fear creeps in, and the unexpected crashes in on you, make kneeling your retaliation. Sing. Not much need to elaborate here. Just do it. Fill your house with song. Tapes and CDs are good, but don't always have others doing the praising for you. Sing ... and keep it up. Invite Him to dinner. I abhor "religiousness" in homes. Few children have survived formulated religiosity— packaged, pompous piety. So when I say "worship at the table," I am not proposing holding a dinner service while the mashed potatoes chill and a film forms on the gravy. But do make your table prayer special; do have a part of your table talk related to the Lord's working in each family member's life; do keep spiritual reality "natural" to the family circle; do sing together (and laugh and cry and worship in the Spirit). Yes. Do. Have communion. The elements of the Lord's Supper ought, I believe, to be available in every home. I do not recommend such common use of this New Testament privilege that it becomes glib or meaningless, and all should be aware that Scripture gives firm warnings to those who partake in "an unworthy manner." Sensitivity, sobriety of mood, scripturality of participation—all these factors ought to be observed. Pray ... while feeding on the Word. Personal practice of devotions is obviously essential. Family times of sharing in the Word and prayer are great, too—if they are alive! I personally prefer using my parental influence to lead my children in cultivating their own private devotional life on a daily basis, while family prayer and reading the Word are occasional rather than daily. As each one in the family grows, sharing your answers to prayer and your discoveries in the Word become enriching to all. The home as worship center ... think on that idea. Better still, act on it. What a heritage to pass along to our children ... memories of home intertwined with memories of praise and laughter and song and the strong, undergirding arms of the living God.

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