Family Altar (Part A): Making it enjoyable

Practical Suggestions That May Be of Help

1.    Search out methods that will appeal to the different age levels in the family.

2.    Vary the methods so as to keep family time from being boring and from being cold routine.

3.    Do not make it a time of forced listening to the Bible, of bitter participation, or unhappy endurance while you drone through whole chapters of the Bible beyond family comprehension and then drag the family through a long dry, routine prayer. If they participate in bitterness, they will abhor the family altar time.

4.    Make it a delightful, happy, interesting time filled with enthusiasm so that the whole family looks forward to it with real expectancy.

5.    Do not make it so long that the children despise the time it takes. Better have it short and sweet, vital and satisfying, so their appetites hunger for more.

6.    Let all participate and become involved. Those that can read should take turns in reading as well as in prayer. Even the little tots can say a few words in prayer even if they cannot read. They can be taught songs in which all can take part.

7.    Take time for discussion, answering questions, solving problems, and for self expression. All have some. Children especially are inquisitive and want to know.

8.    Do not spend time in criticizing or gossiping. There is nothing that will sour the whole thing more than engaging in tearing something or someone apart. This is not time to air church problems unless for a matter of prayer. Make sure that you do not have roast preacher. Remember it is a worship time.

9.    Let the children that are old enough conduct the family worship time some time either in the whole or in part. Let them do it their way and express themselves. It will create interest in it for them. This is also a good way to develop them spiritually and in self confidence. They should be encouraged in what they do or say and not be belittled.

10. Have the family altar when it is most convenient for all. Supper time is usually best for all before the various activities of the evening begin.

Excerpt: http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/famaltar.html