Parenting on PointSample

Encouraging a Heart of Worship

One of the most beloved scenes in the Bible is when little children run to Jesus to enjoy Him! When Jesus says we should have a childlike faith, this is what He is referring to: running to Him to spend time and make joyful memories in our relationship with Him. Worship, at its heart, is simple—like the kids in Jesus’ day, run to spend time with Him and enjoy the relationship.

Worship is an essential part of our relationship with God. It is more than singing songs; it is a heart posture of reverence, gratitude, and adoration toward our Creator. As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a heart for worship, teaching them to honor God in all they say and do. Start by explaining to your children that worship is a way of life, not just an activity. Worship involves giving God the glory He deserves and acknowledging His greatness and goodness. It can be expressed in prayer, song, dance, serving others, and everyday acts of kindness and love.

Create an environment in your home that encourages worship. Make worship a regular part of your family routine, whether it’s during breakfast, before bedtime, or on a Sunday morning. Help your children understand that worship is a response to who God is and what He has done for us. Teach them about God’s attributes—His love, holiness, power, wisdom, and faithfulness—and encourage them to express gratitude and adoration for these aspects of His character.

One Sunday morning during a particularly tough week, I (Mark) gathered our family in the living room and said, “I know it’s been a tough week, but I believe we need to worship God today even when we don’t feel like it.” I’m a pastor, so I always have to go to church, but the family was not feeling like going to church that day. However, I sensed that our hearts needed to be lifted and that worship was the only thing that could bring us back into alignment with God’s peace and presence.

Later that morning at church, I felt my heart begin to lift as the worship team began to play. I looked around and saw the congregation with their hands raised and eyes closed, connecting with the Lord in a powerful way. As the music played, I saw our youngest son standing still, not singing, with a look of confusion on his face. I walked over to him, got down on his level, and said, “Hey buddy, are you ok?” He said, “Dad, I don’t feel like singing today. Why do we sing to God when things are bad?” I told him, “I know it feels hard right now, but worship isn’t just for the good times. Worship is how we remind our hearts who God is, even when life is tough.” He thought for a moment, then quietly nodded, and I noticed that as I began singing again, he was mouthing the words, albeit softly.

Encourage your children to also worship through service. Show them that worship is not just about what we say or sing but also about how we live. Acts of kindness, sharing, and helping others can be expressions of worship that honor God and reflect His love to the world. Model a heart for worship in your own life. Let your children see you spending time in God’s presence, reading His Word, praying, and praising Him in both good and challenging times. Share with them why worship is important to you and how it draws you closer to God.

Dear Lord, thank You for inviting us into Your presence through worship. Help us to have a heart that delights in praising You. Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth and to honor You with our lives. Let our home be filled with songs of joy and adoration. In Jesus' name, Amen.