As a boy growing up with godly parents, I learned daily family worship. I also learned to worship daily on my own. My parents never made a show of their own personal time with God, but sometimes when I got out of bed earlier than usual, I would see my dad or mom bowing alone in prayer before waking the rest of the household. Following their example, I began to pray as a boy. On my tenth birthday, my parents gave me a Bible to read on my own.

Now that I have a wife and children, we follow much the same pattern as my parents. We read the Bible and pray together at morning and evening meals. Sometimes only one of us will pray; at other times, we'll go around the room, with each family member from youngest to oldest offering prayers. In addition, we usually sing a hymn together. At bedtime, I go to each child's bed, from toddler to teenager, and pray aloud for each one as I hug them. I also check on their personal Bible reading.

My family still has a long way to go in our walk with God. But daily worship, as family and as individuals, renews our relationship to God and brings blessings. My wife and I got our basic pattern from our parents, who got it from their parents, who got it from theirs. "He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge" (Proverbs 14:26).

PRAYER--Thank you, Lord, for faithful family lines and for your faithfulness to each new generation. Help those who aren't part of such a line to start one, for Jesus' sake. Amen.