“…God is to be worshipped everywhere, in spirit and truth; as, in private families daily, and in secret, each one by himself; so, more solemnly in public assemblies…(WCF 21:6).” Notice the three-fold pattern of worship in the Christian life highlighted by our confession: private, family, corporate. This WWDWWD is about the first two. My greatest times of success in athletic competition were always during seasons of great success in my practice sessions. Similarly, what we do during the week as Christians profoundly affects what happens when we gather corporately on Sundays.

“…God is to be worshipped everywhere, in spirit and truth; as, in private families daily, and in secret, each one by himself; so, more solemnly in public assemblies…(WCF 21:6).”

Personal or private worship is that worship done in secret wherein our souls are disciplined to lean upon Christ and freshly appropriate the gospel of Christ. It is a time of daily reminder that God is for us and instruction in obedience to his holy commands. This involves Bible reading, meditation and memorization of Scripture, perhaps singing, and most assuredly prayer. Do you worship God in secret?
In their article, “A Call to Family Worship,” J. Ligon Duncan and Terry L. Johnson suggest four goals in evangelical churches. Here’s the fourth: “for family religion to be the fountain of healthy, robust, corporate worship, as well as worship in all of life.” In other words, we prepare for our corporate worship in our family worship. The family is the God’s divinely appointed “small group.”
Of course that raises the questions: Do you have family worship in your home? Dads and husbands, do you lead your family in song and prayer and meditation on the Bible? Teachers of government schools often say the problem is that parents abdicate their responsibility. Have we done the same thing with our children spiritually? Do we think it is up to the church to educate, catechize and encourage our families? It may be that your heart is not white-hot for the glory of God on Sunday because you have neglected the worship of God on Wednesday. It may be that your children don’t want to come to worship and don’t enjoy the Lord’s Day because they have had nothing to whet their appetites on Tuesday. I am convinced, however, that if you will commit to the regular pattern of family worship, your corporate worship will be enhanced and intensified and your heart will be adequately prepared.

What should you do? For starters, don’t make it complex. Don’t set out to do an hour Bible study every day after dinner; especially those of you with kids. Above all, keep it simple. Corporate worship is not complex, nor is family worship. Be sure to include a reading of Scripture. Sing a psalm or hymn. Recite the catechism. Pray.
One final exhortation. Simply your life. Make time for private and family worship. If you don’t “have time” then something has to go. These are the things that matter most. Turn off the TV and seek the Lord while he may be found.