USING MUSIC IN FAMILY DEVOTIONS

Including music for the sake of worship is not an easy task for most people

If you're not musically inclined, what do you do? Before we get into the "how" part of including music in your family worship, there's one other step we need to take first...

Talk with your family about the "WHY" behind singing…

• Why do we sing to God in the first place?
• It's not only that it's fun (though it is), it's one way that we worship God. And remember, younger children may need an explanation of worship. See podcast 81 for details on how to go about that.
• In singing we are speaking truths about God and to God
• When we sing ABOUT God, it's for our sake - to increase our faith and remind us of the truths we believe.
• When we sing TO God, it's in worship, for all that He is and does, to show our love and appreciation.
• Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Ps. 95:1-2)

 The easiest way I've found to use music is to make use of "sing along songs"

• These are songs that you may have on a CD, mp3, or other source that is professionally produced... and your family just sings along!
• You have a professional leading you, so the pressure's off. You don't have to be musical at all.
• No instruments are needed, though you could include them if you like.
• Everyone will be able to follow along
• Most of the time, kids love it.
• Find this kind of music on YouTube, internet apps like Spotify or your own collection.

A method that's a bit harder is to use a Hymnal or song book

• You have to know the songs well in order to do this one, and someone needs to be able to sing moderately well to start the tunes.
• You can sing a cappella (no instruments) if you know the songs well.
• Another option is to use songs the kids know from Sunday school (Jesus loves me, This little light of mine, etc.)

What if they won't sing?

• When a person won't sing, it's usually a heart issue, not a singing issue.
• Find out what's going on.
• Is there some embarrassment? Bitterness? Something painful that needs to be explored?
• Your job is not to get them sing, but to find out why they won't.
• Patient, loving inquiries will get you there in time.

Next week - Using scripture in Family devotions Carey does speaking on this and other topics. You can find out more here. Music used by permission of Adam Rey at www.HeyReyGuitar.com