Worship Like Paul

It was a stormy night and, suddenly, we had no lights! As you would imagine, our three girls, between the ages of 4 and 7 were terrified. Especially since their fearless daddy was not home. So, there we were, all attached at my hip.

When one had to use the bathroom we all headed there together. I led the way with flashlight in hand. The bathroom was in the center of the house leaving it pitch black.

I clearly remember my 4 year old sitting on the counter and saying, "Mommy this is just like a worship moment.”

The suggested activity for this week is to grab a flashlight and worship like Paul! Think how he actually encountered Jesus. How he yearned to spread the news of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Though Paul devoted his life to telling as many people as possible; and, though he traveled far and wide, he spent long days and nights imprisoned for his faith.

And, did that stop him?

No it did not.

The bible tells us he praised the name of God in his prison cells and his life was a witness to other prisoners and those who imprisoned him. Plus he wrote letters - letters that make up a huge portion of the New Testament.

When you have a few minutes, grab a flashlight and your bible and as a family, head to a dark corner in your house. Tell the kids you want to worship like Paul while he was in prison. He probably had to worship by candlelight. Open the bible and read Psalm 145. Remember to read it with lots of expression, showing your passion for God in your voice. Psalm 145 praises the name of God just like, I am sure, Paul did during his times of worship.

Idea adapted from Teaching Kids Authentic Worship by Kathleen Chapman, page 127. kathleenchapman.com

*This past year the families at Peachtree Presbyterian Church took the challenge together to look at choosing your faith in Jesus as a keepsake to be intentionally handed down to your kids. Part of that process included weekly emails to encourage bringing God into the center of our normal lives. These posts include some of those weekly emails and will continue as my Keepsake Token section. December trinket = star tea light.