Family Worship (Aug 02)

Imagine you are playing a team game, but you cannot see the whole field. You can see what is close to you, but you cannot see what is coming around the corner. Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a trusted leader who could see everything? That leader could warn you about danger, show you where to go, and help you make the right move.

Life can feel like that. We cannot see every danger or know every right choice. We face temptations inside us, such as selfishness, anger, dishonesty, and pride. We also have a real enemy, the devil, who wants us to doubt and disobey God.

But God has not left us alone. Jesus defeated sin and the devil through his death and resurrection. Everyone who trusts Jesus belongs to his victorious team. God gives us his armor, his Word, his Spirit, and the gift of prayer. When we pray, we ask our loving Father to lead us away from sin, protect us from evil, and help us live boldly for Jesus.

Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Discussion Questions

1. What dangers do we ask God to protect us from in Matthew 6:13?
2. Why do you think Paul tells Christians to pray “at all times”?
3. What is one situation our family is facing in which we need God’s direction, protection, or courage?

Activity: Prayer Mission Cards
Gather several small pieces of paper and two containers. Label one container “Lead Us” and the other “Deliver Us.”

As a family, think of situations in which you need God’s help. Write each situation on a separate card. Put cards about choices, direction, and obedience into the “Lead Us” container. Put cards about temptation, fear, danger, or evil into the “Deliver Us” container.

Here are some examples:
- Telling the truth after making a mistake
- Being kind to someone who is difficult
- Resisting the urge to cheat
- Having courage to talk about Jesus
- Helping a family member who feels afraid

Take turns drawing cards. After reading each one, have someone explain how the situation might be part of our spiritual battle. Then pray one sentence asking God to lead, protect, or strengthen the person involved.

Keep the containers somewhere visible this week. Add new cards whenever your family needs prayer.

Prayer
Father, thank you that Jesus defeated sin and rose from the dead. We cannot see every danger, but you can. Lead our family away from temptation and deliver us from evil. Give us your strength, help us use your armor, and make us brave enough to obey you and tell others about Jesus. Amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
30. What do we believe by true faith?
We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.