Children’s Worship: The Spiritual Value

Introduction

In diverse circumstances, human beings are prone to worship God in various ways. Worship is viewed as an integral constituent of Christians’ lives. There are numerous creative ways through which people engage in holistic worship of God. However, there is a titanic controversy over the implication and forms of worship as evident in the church today. Moreover, the need to involve children in major worship services may have been ignored or underestimated by most congregations in spite of its relevance. While children are equally important as instruments of worship, there has been growing debate on their authenticity and value during worship services. This paper explores the meaning and relevance of integrating children worship in church services. Specifically, the essay focuses on spiritual value, strengths and inevitable challenges of embracing children during adult worship.

Worship

Worship has been defined as offering adoration and thanksgiving to God during prayer sessions in church. Similarly, most believers perceive worship as intent act of exalting God as a supernatural being that is beyond reproach. In spite of this common definition of worship, criticisms on the valid forms of worship have merged with some believers questioning the authenticity of certain worshiping trends in Christian congregations. In other words, questions have arisen on whether certain forms of worship are valid as per the Biblical doctrines.¹ Nevertheless, there are varied implications when the term worship is used bearing in mind that, Christian worship may indeed take more than one form contrary to individualized views held by certain Christian conservatives. From the Old Testament, worship has been used to imply the act of bowing down or being humble when praying to God. However, the term may be cumbersome to fully expound since it has varying connotations as already mentioned.² Precisely, worship has also been used to imply or denote the state of being worthy of honor, respect or reverence. In this case, when we worship, we declare God’s worth and divine power above all creations. Biblically, worship is a spiritual encounter among believers through which they can communicate with Almighty God in salient prayer. From the holy Bible, ancient people offered burnt sacrifice as an act of worship to their God. Among the Greeks and Hebrews, worship has two implications of serving and bowing down to illustrate respect and submission to God. However, worship is a humble submission from deep within ones soul to God.

Nevertheless, worship can only be experienced since it can not be illustrated for it is so intimate. However, certain aspects of worship can be used to describe this term. For instance, praise is a major aspect of worshipping God. The latter implies magnifying and glorifying God as part and parcel of offering adoration to Him.³ It may also take the perspective of thanksgiving. When we praise God, we prolong our fellowship and intimacy that exists between us and God. Evidently, God demands our praise since it is the only channel through which He may intervene and respond to our needs. Needless to say, in Psalms 22:3 we relate the fact that God is exalted in our praises. Essentially, Christians are able to feel the power of God in their lives trough intense prayer and worship. It is against this backdrop that the Holy Bible (Psalms 100:4) asserts that believers should approach God’s sacred places in praises for his glory to be revealed.⁴ Definitely, worship involves thanksgiving, singing hymns, dancing and praying. However, true worship is involves the heart much more than mere aspects of motion. According to the scriptures, believers should offer genuine praise from their heart. God appreciates those who worship him in truth and spirit. Emphatically, praising God as part of honoring his mighty works is one of the vital aspects of Christian life.

Nonetheless, worshipping God can be done through prayers. In this case, it is worth to note that prayer is also an important component of worship among believers. However, God want believers to be committed to praying without doubt. In other words, he expects total dependant and trust unto him. The bible recommends us to pray without ceasing. Prayer as part of worship is a perspective that brings us nearer to know the will of God. Additionally, reading the bible regularly is part of worship. The bible teaches us how to worship God. Obeying the commands of God is also part of worship. As God ministers to the people, he expects them to respond accordingly.

Moreover, as part of worship, confession affirms the believers to continue being royal and submissive to their God. It is recommendable for believers to proclaim to the world their allegiance to worship God, since they might influence the nonbelievers to join them. In as much as the styles for worship have relatively changed, the modern worship is concerned on the entire relationship with our God. In this case, individual altitude, actions and words expresses how much we value and adore God. Generally, Christians conform in with the norms of biblical form of worship.

However, modern worshippers have developed their own styles of worship in their churches. To reiterate on this, worship is intimate and, individuals can not be able to comprehend its meaning. Understanding of worship is more meaningful when one experiences through practice. In a broader perspective, Worship involves conferring honor, respect and reverence to God.

Children as Authentic Worshipers

Naturally, children are vulnerable and spontaneous in the sense that they are well disposed to worship God than adults do. In this case, they develop a good instinct of worshipping and are able to fully participate even as they grow up. Certainly, children at the age of 5-12 years are very naive and anxious to learn from the surrounding. During this age, so many questions run across their mind to know who God is and what worship is. Moreover, it is also at this age that long-life beliefs, habits and values get incorporated into their minds. Nevertheless, it is necessary to allow children to develop moral and spiritual values right from when they are young. It is important to note that, children are very naive and eager to learn when taught. Alternatively, when children learn to be authentic worshippers, they are able to live a life of commitment to serving and worshipping God.⁵

Needless to say, children are always honest about their experience such that, even in their attempt to worship God they do it in clean heart. Apparently, children should be set aside from the congregations to have their own worship services. Nonetheless, they are able to learn on their own the significance of worshipping God. Moreover, this enhances their attention especially when secluded from interacting with their parents. Impacting a health spiritual and moral foundation in children enhance them to become authentic worshippers.⁶ Children are enthusiastic and more passionate to worship their God with their heart soul and mind only if, they are taught and led well spiritually.

Nevertheless, children have a faithful altitude and commitment toward worship. When they learn to worship God, they become graceful and thankful for his deed hence develop spiritual hunger. Additionally, when children learn good spiritual habits they are enlightened in the need to worship God. In this case, spiritual nourishment is the key for enhancing authenticity of worship in children.⁷ Moreover, parents who instill their children a passion for God, it lasts for a lifetime. Evident has shown that, working with kid in the ministries is quite interesting since they are totally submissive and always ready to serve God. Moreover, children are less committed and hence can spare more of their time in worship.

Apparently, as authentic worshippers, Children normally develop or ascribe meaning toward things taught to them about God.⁸ For instance, they respect the holy book, church and Sabbath day. They regard God as holy and hence sanctify themselves as they get to his sanctuary for worship. They view God as a symbol of peace and comfort for their lives. Such symbolic significance inspires them as they grow and they never walk away from such beliefs. Moreover, they always get involved in the various aspects of worship such as dancing, singing and praying. It is evident that, children are able to interact and worship together with others who are of a different religion. In this case, as authentic worshippers they are able to integrate with others probably due to the interfaith education. Moreover, they have a good motive to perform sacred rituals in schools like singing in choirs and reciting creeds.

Certainly, children ape what they observe from their leaders. Therefore, it is important to model an authentic worship in their life. This involves engaging them with the upright actions which draw their personal emotion uprightly toward God. Moreover, the leaders in church should incorporate teachings that will cultivate children to become authentic worshippers. Noting on this, children are always confused about the significance of worshipping God. In this case, leaders should help them first to learn to love, adore and respect God. Later on, they should teach the incumbents the meaning of worship and aspects associated with worship such as songs, prayers and music instruments.

For as much as children’s lives are uninterrupted, they have a lot of potential to adhere to motivational teaching given to them about worshipping God.⁹ However, parents should distinguish for their children the importance of being religious and spiritual. In this case, for children to be true worshippers they must be spiritual. A spiritual life provides the children with a favorable platform to overcome challenges since they rely on God’s power. This will enhance them to walk and grow in total submission and fear for God. Definitely, spiritual nourishment in children makes them to be honest and trustworthy before God and men. Moreover, this instill in them power to worship and also put faith in God. Moreover, church programs that involve children help in emphasizing and facilitate the spiritual concept in their lives.

However, it is important to note that there are barriers that are encountered in the process of teaching children to be authentic worshippers. Most of the children at very tender age tend to become fussy especially when they are with their parents. In this case, the adults should have a positive and welcoming altitude to such children, as they teach them how to develop an integral worship in the church. It is worth to note that, it is vital to include children of all ages in the service for them to participate in the act of worship. However, just like it was mentioned earlier, children in kindergarten and above should be secluded from the congregation for them to be able to engage in real worship. From the research done, children learn to worship through the extra lessons they attend in the sanctuaries. Bible stories help to capture their minds hence they are able to apply relevant scriptures in their daily worship.

To cap it all, children possess special gifts that they need to utilize in worshipping God. Nevertheless, meaningful integration of the children into the services helps them to become authentic worshippers. Additionally, children ape what they observe from their leaders both in church school and at home. Moreover, during the tender age, such times are crucial for children to lay a foundation of their faith. ¹⁰Children should be assisted to become authentic worshippers through inspirational materials like bulletins, hymn book sand bible stories. Such are knowledgeable in helping them understand worship. Consistently, children should be provided with opportunities to perform authentic worship as they practice. In doing this, they become perfect and hence the act gets to be part of them. Children are quick learners and eventually they practice worshipping in churches and when alone.

Integration of children in adult worship: Strengths

It appears more spiritually meaningful to include children in adult worship. This gives them a chance to explore and understand God better. Biblically, parents accustomed their children to worship especially when offering burnt Sacrifices. As an example, Abraham involved his son in worshipping God in Mount Moriah. Additionally, as they watch adults perform worship, they learn how to serve God. Children need to be modeled in their faith. Therefore, they need to integrate with adults and learn from them. Moreover, this inculcates their identity as members of Christ’s body.

Weaknesses

When children are made to worship with adults always, this denies them chance to experiment what they learn in adult services about worship. Imperatively, children at infantile age tend to be distractive in the presence of their parents. Moreover, they don’t get chance to share social skills with other children on worship. In line with this, it is impossible to identify the child weak areas unless they are put in typical groupings. Most of the children have different needs and gifts that require special attention.

Spiritual value of children’s worship

Certainly, children dispensability in worship pleases God. Therefore, they are potential source of blessing for the congregation in the church. Additionally, they are source of inspiration to other people who are reluctant to worship God. The way of worship in children pause a challenge to the non-believers. Children draw closer the presence of God more in the church than adults. God view children as innocent and partakers of his kingdom. When children learn how to worship, they successively remain active even in adulthood hence fostering continuity of the program for years. When the adults get old, they take their position to train the infants.

Why God delights in children’s worship (Matthew 18: 3, 4; Matthew 11:25)

Over the years, the practice of worship in many Christian gatherings has been considered a role played by adults. Even in the early days, the Christian church style of worship was adult oriented. This was observed in the groups that comprised of helpers, acolytes, choir members and so on. These groups were made for adults by adults.¹¹ However, it is imperative to note that, despite adult dominance in worship found in the Christian church, there are indications that children have not been left out completely in the participation of Christian service.¹² For instance, in the church today, the vocabulary used in worship services and words of the hymn relate to the simple life experiences, use images, and average sentence structures that children can understand. The aim of this section of the essay is to examine the role of children in the act of corporate worship. The questions frequently asked include whether during worship they should be disregarded exclude or included and what role they play. Research studies have indicated that most sermons by adults in the church and their worship maintain a pattern that assumes the level of experience of children.

It is a fact that God calls children to worship him. The famous words of Jesus to his disciples were that children should not be barred from reaching him clearly indicates that God delights in the worship of children. According to the book of Matthew 18:3, 4, Jesus hinted to his disciples the importance of children in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus further explained the role of children in worship when he talked about humility. Worship requires humility. In the scriptures, Jesus used children to illustrate humility in worship. Including children in worship plays a significant role in the Christian church since they belong to the worshipping community as well as the family of God. The church should know that, children are God’s creation, and they form part of the roles that have been played by adults in worship services over the years. God intended that children be involved in worship.¹³ They have a role of singing, praying and learning just like the adults do and to participate in the worship service just like church ministers. According to Jesus in the second verse of Matthew 18, there is need for children to be included in worship. Children illustrate the will of God in terms of humility and represent the desirable attributes of kingdom seekers. In this manner, they not only play the role of enriching worship service of adults and their parents, but they also illustrate a true part of priesthood. Even though the behavior of children in the church can be distracting, it is imperative that worshippers keenly observe them since those actions can be translated to various acts of worship.¹⁴ When children came to Jesus, the disciples tried to prevent them by claiming that they would cause distraction. The response given by Jesus to the disciples and the hearers showcased the important role of a child in the kingdom of God. He told them that, the kingdom of god belonged to the children. Despite their distraction, children have certain characteristics such as commitment and love that is evident in the manner in which they completely involve themselves in whatever they are doing. Furthermore, they are eager, spontaneous, honest, loyal and dependent. When all this are incorporated in worship, it makes it a wonderful experience. According to psalms 8:2, the aforementioned characteristics of a child in worship play a critical role of giving Christians victory of God over Satan.

It is important to note that, over the years, Christians have been faced with difficult challenges of dealing with temptations, persecutions and accusations from the enemies of Christ. In psalms 8:2, the act of involving children in the worship service where they sing praises with other members of the congregation, becomes a sure way of victory to the church against evil.

The book of Matthew 11:25 points out the idea of the willingness of a child to learn the ways of God. God reveals to those who have transformed themselves as little children, the wisdom of heaven and earth. Worship service supports and develops faith of an individual. In addition, a worship setting is a learning place where individuals acquire knowledge and wisdom about God, the church and the world. It is where children learn about themselves. The role of a child in that setting will be to point out to parents their eagerness and willingness to learn. Most importantly, children have been considered to make adult worship experience complete.¹⁵ Therefore, separating them from worship service into other children programs arranged by the church for the purpose of reducing distraction interferes with communal worship and learning process. Worship, just like gospel, is for all ages. God seeks the old and the young alike to worship him. As aforementioned, children play a significant role when involved in worship as they cause God to intervene in situations affecting the Christian community. While in the congregation, apart from creating a learning environment, they cause God to silence the enemies of the church through their worship. This is true according to 1 Corinthians 21:27-29 that points out that the weak of the world, will shame the strong.

What happens when children worship

Jesus said that all children should be allowed to come to him. Integrating children in worship attracts the blessings of God, empowers Christians over Satan and gives peace and purity to children. When they worship, they encounter the liturgical experience found in God-human relationship.¹⁶ This in turn, puts them in a position where they can receive the spiritual gifts of God. In genesis 22:17-18, God promises to bless the entire world when children worship. He says that the seed of Abraham will make him bless the world if they worship him just like Abraham did. Worship done by children imparts blessings, not only to the church, but also to the nations of the world.

The Holy Spirit works in children and cause them to praise God. Their worship is completely different from that of adults since they wholly express their involvement. Their attitudes and abilities in worship are unique.¹⁷ In Psalms 8:2 and Ephesians 6:16, the scriptures indicate that true worship attracts the victory of God and offers Christians spiritual protection from dark forces of Satan. When they worship, they influence adults in the manner in which they respond to the worship of God. Their response is considered to be honest and their sacrifices generous. Besides, they have immense abilities in imaginative hearing. Furthermore, their worship style is infectiously enthusiastic. These elements bring about healing to them, their families and to the whole congregation.

Additionally, when children worship, the worship service in the church gets enriched. This is because, unlike adults, they do it whole heartedly and freely express emotions such as joy and thankfulness. They also nurture and create a multi-sensory worship when they use their senses in worship such as that of touch. Moreover, involving children in worship creates an experience whereby every individual in the Christian community learns to express their abilities and talents. This happens when the leadership of the church lifts the level of worship in the congregation by coordinating the elements of children and adult worship.

Involving children in worship helps the church to identify the various gifts, both natural and spiritual, that God has given to the church. This can be achieved by relating the physical activities of children in a worship service with acts of worship such as wearing sackcloth, lying down, dancing, clapping hands, lifting the head, kneeling and standing. Furthermore, worship sets the minds of children to heavenly things. According to Isaiah 54:13, the worship of God transforms the minds of children and sets them free from pressures of the world. In this manner, it gives them peace.¹⁸ The act of worship among children lifts their spirits and gives them hope and faith in God.

Helping children to be authentic worshippers

Children can be helped by the church and their families to become great worshippers of God. Even though at times incorporating them in adult services may affect the worship service due their distractions, it is imperative for parents and church leadership to come up with appropriate measures that will ensure that they are not left out of church worship service but are guided to form part of it. In John 4:23-24, the Bible indicates that God is seeking authentic worshippers who will worship as he requires. Therefore, parents must show a good example to their children of their love to worship God. Basically, children have a habit of imitating what their parents do. Parents should begin training their children the right way of worship at home. This can be achieved through worship sessions and family devotions where they pray and read the word of God together.

Parents should also instill discipline and obedience in their children to the things of God. This will aid children in becoming calm, respectful and submissive during a worship service. Moreover, children brought up with the presence of God in them become true worshippers of God.¹⁹ The presence of God is brought about by his word and songs. Pastors and parents should teach children to love reading the word of God and singing hymnals. Children can be provided with Christian literature materials, videos and tapes to help and guide them. Finally, parents and church leaders must ensure that children strictly follow requirements given by the church such as singing along with others, paying attention to service leader, looking towards the front and reading scriptures. All these should be done in accordance with 1 Corinthians 14:15 that require application of understanding and spirituality in worship.

Nurturing spiritual value

Parents should treat their children as important entities right from home to places of worship. Responsible parents ensure they are ever present in any important occasion, where their children talents are being displayed and promoted.²⁰ However, most of the parents forget to nurture an equally important aspect for their children’s life; the spiritual dimension. This is because most of the parents view their children spiritual development as value-adding proposition, rather than as an important aspect in their children’s development.

Parents and other individuals in the family should realize that spiritual nourishment for children is both important and a mandate from the scripture. Proverbs 22: 6 advices “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. Without the contribution of the parents and other adults, the spiritual welfare of children will be wanting both at the present and in the future. Their role is very critical in determining the spiritual future of their children. It is paramount to note that children too have the ability to relate with Jesus Christ at an intimate level as evident in Matthew 19:14 where Jesus called children to salvation.

Statistics have shown that children between the ages of 5 to 12 years are likely embrace salvation if proper spiritual foundation is laid at a family level.²¹ At the initial stages of development, children are limited in concrete thinking when it comes to interacting with teachings about faith. However, as they develop through consistent nurturing, their faith develops and they begin to view God’s role in their lives from a broader perspective. Parents as the most available and direct player in a child’s life need to understand how children’s develop faith.

In the course of their development, children are influenced not only by their parents but also peers. Friends influence can impact their peer’s lives either positively or negatively. For this reason, parents should constantly monitor the kind of company their children keep. Depending on the presence or absence of spiritual values, a friend can either enhance or hinder spiritual growth. As the scripture asserts, “bad company ruins good morals” 1 Cor.15:33.

Subsequently, pastors in the church have a role to play in promoting children ministry as part of their positive contribution in enhancing children spiritual welfare. Pastors can make the role of children in the church to be enhanced if they appreciate the role of Sunday school teachers. This can be achieved by providing support to the best teachers either through training or offering them leadership roles in the church. In addition, they can incorporate children in the main services of the church to make them feel part and parcel of the church.²² To promote positive peer influence, the children should be given a chance to testify about how God has enhanced their lives. Likewise, a pastor can create understanding among the congregation on the importance of teaching spirituality to children. The teaching will make parents to understand their fundamental role of nurturing the children towards spiritual growth and maturity.

As stated earlier, parents have a role to play in determining the spiritual welfare of their children. In addition, they should nurture the spiritual values by ensuring the available input in form of reading materials and movies, do not erode the spiritual foundation of their children. Similarly, as Jesus said in John 17:12 parents should protect their children from secular influence as Jesus protected his disciples. Jesus shielded his disciples’ mind from negative influences so as to enhance their spiritual growth. Likewise, parents should always ensure their children get access to movies which enhance them spiritually. Research has shown that the innocence of children can be corrupted via the numerous media programs and movies. Children should not be viewed as mini-adults since their mind is not adapted to handle extremities of violence, sex or death. For this reason, it is the role of parents to eliminate any medium that portray the above vices. Parents who wish to see their children gain healthy spiritual teachings should provide movies based on Christian and biblical teachings.²³ Psychological researches have shown that the mind of young children absorbs whatever kind of information presented to them along the various stages of development. Since they lack the ability to sieve what is best for their mind, it is the role of the parents to protect what goes into their mind by availing positively constructive materials. At times, parents find it hard to make their children attend Sunday school classes. Such parents can still nurture their children’s spiritual welfare by investing in Christian movies and music videos. The strategy to make children learn spiritual teachings via Christian movies is less hectic than forcing such children to attend Sunday school classes.

The task of raising spiritually empowered children is not easy especially in the modern family setting. Further still is the paradox faced by many parents for they do not understand how some children can be so eager to learn the good news, while other shy or rebel from the whole issue? The process of faith is miraculous, but at the same time filled with so many mysteries. Jesus in the parable of the sower, Matthew 13:1-23 explained that teaching the word to a person without understanding kills the yield. In addition, faith without deep roots is likely to wither. It is against this reason that spiritual nurturing in families become extremely important especially to help children remain focused to spiritual maturity. Nurturing spirituality in children enhances their understanding of the Word, so that they can bear positive fruits.

The family setting is the most fundamental entity where spiritual growth can be nurtured to the benefit of every present member. Empirical studies and pastoral practices have identified four key areas that if consistently acted upon, can promote faith among families.

A caring conversation is one of the fundamental attributes of parenting morally upright children who can positively be used in prayer and worship services. Caring conversation can be effectively adapted in homes to communicate Christian values especially to children. Caring conversations demonstrate a caring attitude among members, and it can be used to initiate insightful discussion to share joys, hurts, dreams and questions about faith. Leaders in the family have to cultivate listening skills among its members to create a favorable environment for meaningful conversations. Parents can use these forums to share faith stories with their children to influence their commitment towards the same. The idea of holding caring conversations originated from the practice of Jesus Christ as he consistently shared the good news with his disciples. Similarly, family members can hold forums where share faith values as well as praise and worship God together to thank him for holding the family together. Secondly, families can effectively utilize the family devotion and prayer session to nurture the members’ spiritual welfare. Christian faith should be nurtured through consistent bible study, prayers and reflection so as to impact positively on an individual’s life. Therefore, family devotions provide the best forums to study the bible and share Christian teachings to enable members apply those teachings in their lives. Researches assert that every serous Christian should strive to lead a devotional life to promote one’s connection to the larger body of Christ. The devotional moments should not be exercised solely on public meetings, but a larger part of it should be practiced at the family level. As the bible advices, prayers should part and parcel of a Christian’s life and subsequently a family; hence should be practiced from morning to evening. 1 Thessalonians 2:13. The verse goes ahead to explain that bible reading and study, family devotions and all time prayers actions provided an opportunity for the word of God to work in believers.

Thirdly, family should conduct service in their homes to promote and nurture spiritual welfare. Such services are a good opportunity to instill growth in faith among family members. When parents lead family services, their children will have a first hand experience of faith in action and, are likely to practice the same in their future.²⁴ The services not only strengthen family bonds, but also nurture faith among family members, and the children in that family are no exception. It is recommended that family services should be a day-in day- out activity rather than a once a month activity, and the members should adjust their lifestyles to demonstrate understanding of Word teaching.

Finally, families are unique and the distinction among them arises from specific family cerebrations, daily routines and rituals that each independent family observes. Such practices are what unify the families and via them, families communicate meaning, relationship and values that God adds in respective individual’s life. Rituals in the family can be demonstrated in many forms ranging from daily activities such as bedtime and meal time rituals. In addition, some rituals are observed during specific times, and include activities such as birthdays, graduation, anniversaries, church year rituals and special achievement celebrations. The family rituals and traditions demonstrate the values and beliefs of a particular family, and promote their faith. The value of family rituals and traditions cannot be overemphasized. For this reason churches should strive to promote family unity by instilling the practice among the members of its congregation. Recent empirical researches have indicated that family meals as an element of family rituals are likely to eliminate bad habit outcomes among the children of brought up in those families. Many faith practices such as prayers and bible study happen during family meals and are very crucial in enhancing the faith of each present member.²⁵ Just like Jesus used meals as the central activity in his ministry, with the climax being the last supper, so should families use family meals rituals as a platform to discover the presence of Jesus amidst family life.

Conclusion

To recap it all, it is imperative to note that despite the different perspectives of the term worship, there is no doubt that it is an essential entity in a Christian’s life. The power of worship cannot be overemphasized as the Bible clearly states that it has the ability to bring God closer to those who praise and worship him. It is paramount to note that, children should not be segregated from the worship process. As exemplified in the text, children are well predisposed to worship God than adults; hence they should be allowed to develop moral and spiritual values through worship right from a tender age. To promote spiritual growth among children, parents should nurture their faith by reading bible stories to them, providing Christian movies, sharing their faith with the children and promoting worship through songs of praise at the family level. In addition, spiritual nurturing for every family member is very important. For this reason, it should be nurtured at the family level by observing several core practices such as exercising caring conversation, family devotions, prayer sessions, family services and observing family rituals that promote Christian values.

Bibliography

Bandura, Albert. On the psychosocial impact and mechanisms of spiritual modeling. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 13(2003), 167-173.

Beck, James. Self and soul: Exploring the boundary between psychotherapy and spiritual formation. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31(2003), 24-36.

Blaisdell, Charles. The gifts god gave: fourth in a series on Ephesians. Encounter 71.3 (2010): 51-57.

Bruce, Mary Alice & Cockreham, Debbie. Enhancing the spiritual development of adolescent girls. Professional School Counseling, 7 (2004), 334-342.

Chapman, Kathleen. Teaching Kids Authentic Worship: How to Keep Them Close to God for Life. Missouri: Baker Books Company. Inc. 2003.

Dobins, Richard Growing through Authentic Worship. 2000. Web.

Froh, Jeffrey., Yurkewicz, Charles, & Kashdan, Todd. Gratitude and subjective well- being in early adolescence: Examining gender differences. Journal of Adolescence, 32(2009), 633-650.

Lawson, Kevin. “Baptismal Theology and Practices and the Spiritual Nurture of Children Part I: Early and Medieval Church.” Christian Education Journal 8.1 (2011): 130- 145.

Mueller, Carolyn. Spirituality in Children: Understanding and Developing Interventions.” Pediatric Nursing 36.4 (2010): 197-204.

Murthy, Robert. Children of a better god. Indian Journal of Psychiatry 53.1 (2011): 91- 91.

Segler, Franklin & Bradley, Randall. Christian Worship: Its Theology and Practice. New York: B&H Publishing Group, Inc. 2006.

‘What Is Worship’? A Survey of Scripture.

Footnotes

1. Franklin, Segler & Randall, Bradley. Christian Worship: Its Theology and Practice. New York: B&H Publishing Group, Inc. 2006, p. 53.
2. What Is Worship” A Survey of Scripture. Web.
3. Ibid. par. 4.
4. Ibid., Par 6.
5. Kathleen, Chapman. Teaching Kids Authentic Worship: How to Keep Them Close to God for Life. Missouri: Baker Books Company. Inc. 2003. Pg 64.
6. Ibid, Pg 66.
7. Ibid, Pg, 44.
8. Richard, Dobins Growing through Authentic Worship. 2000. Web.
9. Ibid, Par 5
10. Richard, Dobins Growing through Authentic Worship. 2000. Web.
11. Kevin, Lawson “Baptismal Theology and Practices and the Spiritual Nurture of Children Part I: Early and Medieval Church.” Christian Education Journal 8.1 (2011): 130.
12. Charles, Blaisdell. ”The gifts god gave: fourth in a series on Ephesians.” Encounter 71.3 (2010): 51
13. Ibid 52.
14. Ibid 53.
15. Ibid 133.
16. Ibid 136.
17. Robert, Murthy. “Children of a better god.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry 53.1 (2011): p. 91
18. Carolyn, Mueller. “Spirituality in Children: Understanding and Developing Interventions.” Pediatric Nursing 36.4 (2010): p. 197.
19. Ibid 200.
20. Albert, Bandura. On the psychosocial impact and mechanisms of spiritual modeling. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 13(2003), p. 169.
21. James, Beck. Self and soul: Exploring the boundary between psychotherapy and spiritual formation. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31(2003),p. 25.
22. Ibid., 24.
23. Ibid., 28.
24. Froh, Jeffrey., Yurkewicz, Charles, & Kashdan, Todd. Gratitude and subjective well-being in early adolescence: Examining gender differences. Journal of Adolescence, 32(2009), p. 640.
25. Alice, Bruce Mary & Debbie, Cockreham. Enhancing the spiritual development of adolescent girls. Professional School Counseling, 7 (2004), pp. 334-335.