Introduction to Family Worship by Joel Beeke

Theology Matters

Joel Beeke argues that Scripture makes the habit of family worship plain—daily, deliberate, and from the heart. Drawing Joshua 24:15 and Deuteronomy 6 together, he says “the duty for family worship is pretty well established…you will be talking to your children, you will be training your children” (11:31–11:41). In his view, the church and Christian schools are good gifts, but they are auxiliaries; “kids need to hear from their own dad…[they] assist, but the father has the main responsibility” (12:01–12:17).

Beeke’s case is pastoral, not merely procedural. He remembers the power of watching his own father lead and weep through family worship. As his brother once told their dad: “I never had to doubt the existence of God…you were weeping…[and] I just remember thinking…God is so real” (3:18–3:45). That kind of embodied faith—Scripture, prayer, singing, honest conversation—forms a durable spiritual memory that children carry into adolescence and adulthood.

He also answers the most common objection—fatigue. When you’re exhausted, he says, remember the Savior who carried the cross: “Come on, dad—you can…do 10-minute family worship for Him and for His glory” (15:02–15:23). Start small, keep it steady, and let the Word open conversations about “every subject under the sun.” Over time, family worship becomes a banked treasure for the teen years, a pattern that keeps hearts open and talking.

Memorable quotes (from the video)

• “The duty for family worship is pretty well established…you will be talking to your children, you will be training your children.” (11:31–11:41)

• “Kids need to hear from their own dad…the church and the Christian school assist, but the father has the main responsibility.” (12:01–12:17)

• “If Jesus…was so tired carrying the cross for your and my sins…come on, dad—you can…do 10-minute family worship for Him and for His glory.” (15:02–15:23)

• (Beeke recounting his brother’s memory) “I never had to doubt the existence of God…I was looking up into your face and you were weeping…and I just remember thinking…God is so real.” (3:18–3:45)

Family Worship Guide

(Adapted from Joel Beeke)

1. Opening Prayer

Leader opens with a short prayer:

• Praise God for His goodness.

• Ask for His Spirit to bless the time of worship.

• Dedicate the family to God’s glory.

  
  

2. Scripture Reading & Instruction

• Read a passage of Scripture (one chapter or a short section).

• Ask a few simple questions:

  • What does this passage teach us about God?

  • What does it show us about ourselves?

  • How does it point us to Christ?

• Share a brief explanation or personal application.

3. Singing (Psalm or Hymn)

• Choose one psalm or hymn that the whole family can sing together.

• Encourage memorization by repeating songs across the week.

  
  

4. Prayer (Confession, Thanksgiving, Intercession)

• Confess sins together in humility.

• Thank God for daily mercies and Christ’s grace.

• Pray for:

  • Each family member.

  • The church and its leaders.

  • Friends, neighbors, missionaries, and those in need.

5. Catechism or Memory Verse (Optional)

• Review one question from a catechism (e.g., Heidelberg or Westminster Shorter).

• Recite and discuss a weekly Bible memory verse.

6. Closing Prayer & Blessing

• Close by asking God to write His Word on your hearts.

• Pray for faithfulness throughout the day (or night).

• Conclude with a short blessing, e.g., “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.”