Resources for Family Worship (Part 2)

On Thursday I started a series on resources for family worship and looked at some books suitable for families with young children. The first instalment  can be read HERE. Today I want to look at books for families with children who are older:

One Year Book of Dinner Table Devotions- Nancy Guthrie- Tyndale

These devotions are designed to be done together as a family in 10 to 15 minutes. There are verses to be read, an application and discussion questions as to how to apply the theological concept learnt on a practical level 

Good points:

• Can be used for all ages
• Goes deeper into the Word and causes children to be stretched
• Means that the Word is discussed in the family

Bad Points:

• Doesn't follow a particular pattern- ie don't read through a particular book of the Bible- However presumably in a Christian family children are doing their personal devotions too so this may not be a problem! 

Their Lives & Your Life - Reformation Heritage Books

This book is designed as a personal children's devotional but could equally be used in Family Worship. The book focuses on different Bible character. There is a passage to read, a key verse highlighted, a short exposition and a question for discussion.

Good points:

• Works logically through Bible passages
• Draws out new lessons from stories children may have heard many times before
• Practical application

Bad points:

• The key verse at the top is written in the KJV which wouldn't be my personal Bible version of choice, but the book could easily be used with another version.

Training Heart Teaching Minds- Starr Meade- P & R

This book goes through the Shorter Catechism. One question is taken per week and then there are 6 readings a week (Monday-Saturday) focusing on that particular question.  Each day there is a Bible passage to be read.

Good points

• Focuses on the Catechism which is an excellent summary of the faith.
• Contains a Bible passage
• Not very long each day so allows time for family discussion
• The question is repeated over 6 days so there is plenty time for children to remember it.
• Uses a modern version of  the Catechism (Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English)which is easier to understand.

Bad points:

•  With a 106 questions it will take over two years to complete. Children could become bored with the same structure every day.
• A lot of the Bible passages are from the New Testament. It may mean that for 2 years the Old is some what neglected.

Table Talk- Good Book Company

 

Table Talk contains 3 months of readings for families to do, which tie in with the reading notes XTB, for children to do personally. Each day there is a Bible passage to read, activities to do, questions, something to think about, a prayer and further optional activities.

Good points:

•  Ties with Bible reading notes, so the child has opportunity to really get to grips with the passage.

• There are 'notes to parents' to help with anything difficult that may crop up. This means that even families who have just come to faith and may not have much knowledge can still have family worship.
• Works logically through a Bible passage day by day.
• A key point to take away each day.
• Reading can be adapted depending on age.

 Bad points:

• Some of the activities at the start of each days reading are a little too complicated or could distract from the main purpose. However if the parent felt this they could easily be left out!

 The Big Book of Questions and Answers- Sinclair Ferguson- CFP

 This book has a question for each day with an answer, a Bible reading, a memory verse 'talking time', 'activity time' and a prayer. There are 77 lessons in this book but there are  follow up books which follow a fairly similar format.

Good points:

•  We used this book when we were younger, and although we're all quite spread out in age and it was mainly for my little sister I think everyone can gain something from it.
• Promotes discussion in families.
• Encourages Bible memorising.
• Simple question and answer format.
• Focuses on issues children may have questions about

Bad Points:

•   The memory verse doesn't tie in with the passage read
• Doesn't involve systematic reading through scripture.

Long Story Short -Marty Machowski - New Growth Press

This book chronological teaches 78 of the main stories and characters of the Old Testament. There is one story taught each week, three days are spent on the actual story, one day is spent seeing how this story points to Jesus, and the fifth day contains another Bible passage. Each day there is a Bible passage to read, an introduction to the story, a summary of the story, discussion questions and a prayer guide.




Good points:

• Goes through the Bible chronologically.
• Constantly points to Christ.
• Enables children to see the big picture of the Bible
• Suitable for a wide range of ages
• Very do-able even for a busy family

Bad points:

• There are no pictures, so although suitable for young children they may lose focus; however could use along with a children's Bible.