Isn't the answer obvious? Didn't Jesus teach that children can and do worship God? At the triumphal entry, children shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David," and when the chief priests and others asked if Jesus approved, he re­plied by quoting Psalm 8, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" (Matthew 21:16).

God expects and accepts the wor­ship of children. Children exhibit some of the qualities of worshipers. They spontaneously engage in thanks. They get excited by the presence of some­one they love and easily show their affection.

If this is the case, why ask, Can children worship? Because although children can and should worship, they don't get many opportunities. Many church services systematically exclude non-readers. Few families worship in the home.

I believe children must be taught to worship. Worship must conform to God's commands. Children don't automatically know what true worship is; they must be taught.

Teach your children the content of worship. They need to know that true worship is through the Lord Jesus. Children can learn to pray in Jesus' name.

Children must also be taught the way to worship God when we sing, pray, read the Bible, listen to sermons, give offerings and celebrate the sacra­ments. Channel the love your children have for God into acceptable praise and worship.

How can children learn the content and way of worship? In family, worship teach your children the Doxology, the Gloria, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, or any other regular part of your con­gregation's worship service.

In your worship services use songs your children have learned in Sunday school. Encourage your children to recognize that worship is for them. Don't let them get the idea that during worship services you occupy yourself in spite of what is going on. If you do, your children will grow up counting ceiling tiles rather than worshiping God. Worship requires participation and no one more eagerly participates than a young child.

If children can worship, if children are expected to worship, then let's give them the tools and opportunity to do so. Remember,

From the lips of children and infants you have ordain­ed praise.