How can Psalm 78:1 guide us in prioritizing Scripture in family devotions? Listening First: The Call of Psalm 78:1 “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” Scripture opens with a command, not a suggestion: hear, lean in, receive. Family worship begins by recognizing that God Himself is speaking; everyone present is called to active, humble listening. The verse highlights both the content (“teaching”) and the posture (“incline your ears”), framing devotions as an act of submission to God’s authoritative Word. Practical Implications for Family Devotions • Scripture sets the agenda—devotions revolve around the text, not personal opinion. • Listening precedes discussing or applying; give full attention to the reading before commentary. • Read aloud so ears, not just eyes, engage; faith comes “by hearing” (Romans 10:17). • Parents model eagerness; children imitate what they see. • Regular practice communicates that God’s voice outranks every other household sound. Putting It Into Daily Practice 1. Choose a consistent time when distractions are minimal. 2. Open by reading Psalm 78:1 aloud, reminding the family why they are gathering. 3. Place Bibles in every hand; follow the reader visually and audibly. 4. After reading the day’s passage, invite each person to paraphrase what was heard—reinforces attentive listening without turning the time into a quiz. 5. Briefly connect the passage to Christ and daily life, emphasizing obedience to what was just heard. 6. Close with a short statement of commitment: “We will heed Your Word, Lord.” (No prayer included per instructions.) Strengthening the Habit with Supporting Passages • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children…” • Proverbs 4:20 — “My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.” • 2 Timothy 3:15-17 — “From infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures… All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable…” • Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another…” Summary Takeaways • Psalm 78:1 calls every household member to intentional, reverent listening. • Prioritizing Scripture in family devotions demonstrates trust in its truthfulness and sufficiency. • Hearing God’s Word together forms hearts, shapes conversations, and builds a legacy of faith for future generations. |
    |