through a long and boring Bible passage. Family devotions can be differ ent. Hundreds of Christian families find them a vital and helpful part of their busy days. The verses in Deuteronomy give us some helpful principles. First of all, the major problem families face is getting started. The right attitude must be cultivated. Do we look at worship as a problem or a privilege? Is it a duty or a delight? Too many fam ilies labor under the illusion that "A devotion each day keeps the devil away." We try to cram it down our children's throats like bad-tasting medicine. If we love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind, then we will really look at this time as an opportunity to express our love to Him. The ma jor question should be, "How can we share our love for God with our children?" This is not to be a period of religious duty like pen ance. It should be a joyous occa sion. "You shall teach these words to your children," God declares. That means it is not primarily what is meaningful to us as adults, but what is helpful to them, that counts. Family worship periods should be interesting. Vary the approach from day-to-day. During prayer time, each one can remember different needs. Keep a prayer list and make it personal. Share letters from mis sionaries. Use various printed aids such as children's story books and devotional materials which have been prepared for young people. Let questions be asked so that there can be a real exchange of ideas. This time must be meaningful if there is to be any real value. When you read the Scriptures, do your best to explain them to the chil
dren. It may be that one of the modern language translations will be helpful to you. If you can see principles in the Bible that the whole family can apply at home, school, or work, put these truths into "overalls" and get them into practice into your life. As much as possible, let each one participate according to his ability. If children are to enjoy this time together, keep it pleasant. Of course, the atmosphere should be reverential, but youngsters ought not feel that God is a stuffy old man who does not like children to talk. After all, this is not a formal church service. As a general rule, keep the time short. Children have short interest spans. Family worship should grow out of our love for God, designed to teach our children to love the Lord whom we serve. You will show your youngsters a great deal about trust in God when unexpected dif ficulties come up and together you bow for a brief moment of prayer to ask His help. You will teach your children a great deal about depen dence upon God when something unexpectedly nice comes into your life, and you stop to thank Him for His goodness to you. Do not be too busy to show your children the fresh beauty of a rose or the delights of a sky full of stars. Take time naturally and informally to speak to them of the beauty God has made. Most of all, there are those moments when we can share with our children what it means to trust our Saviour. After all, if you love someone deeply, it is the normal, natural thing to share Him with those around you. "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And
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