Chapter 78—The Power of Prayer
The Need for Family Prayer—Every family should rear its altar
of prayer, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
If any persons in the world need the strength and encouragement that
religion gives, it is those who are responsible for the education and
training of children. They cannot do their work in a manner acceptable
to God while their daily example teaches those who look to them for
guidance that they can live without God. If they educate their children
to live for this life only, they will make no preparation for eternity.
They will die as they have lived, without God, and parents will be
called to account for the loss of their souls. Fathers, mothers, you need
to seek God morning and evening at the family altar, that you may
learn how to teach your children wisely, tenderly, lovingly
Family Worship Neglected—If ever there was a time when every
house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Infidelity and skepticism
prevail. Iniquity abounds. Corruption flows in the vital currents of the
soul, and rebellion against God breaks out in the life. Enslaved by sin,
the moral powers are under the tyranny of Satan. The soul is made the
sport of his temptations; and unless some mighty arm is stretched out
to rescue him, man goes where the archrebel leads the way.
And yet, in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Chris-
tians have no family worship. They do not honor God in the home;
they do not teach their children to love and fear Him. Many have sepa-
rated themselves so far from Him that they feel under condemnation
in approaching Him. They cannot “come boldly unto the throne of
[518]
grace,” “lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
Hebrews
4:16
;
1 Timothy 2:8
. They have not a living connection with God.
Theirs is a form of godliness without the power
1
The Review and Herald, June 27, 1899
.
2
Testimonies For The Church 7:42
.
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