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Let Visitors Join in Family Worship, July 18
Family Companionship
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation,
a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1
Peter 2:9
In a sense the father is the priest of the household, laying upon
the family altar the morning and evening sacrifice. But the wife and
children should unite in prayer and join in the song of praise. In the
morning before he leaves home for his daily labor let the father gather
his children about him and, bowing before God, commit them to the
care of the Father in heaven. When the cares of the day are past, let the
family unite in offering grateful prayer and raising the song of praise, in
acknowledgment of divine care during the day.... Do not fail to gather
your family around God’s altar.
In our efforts for the comfort and happiness of guests let us not
overlook our obligations to God. The hour of prayer should not be
neglected for any consideration. Do not talk and amuse yourselves till all
are too weary to enjoy the season of devotion. To do this is to present to
God a lame offering. At an early hour of the evening, when we can pray
unhurriedly and understandingly, we should present our supplications
and raise our voices in happy, grateful praise.
Let all who visit Christians see that the hour of prayer is the most
precious, the most sacred, and the happiest hour of the day. These
seasons of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all who
participate in them. They bring a peace and rest grateful to the spirit.
A lamp, however small, if kept steadily burning, may be the means of
lighting many other lamps.... Wonderful opportunities are ours through
a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open
our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life, we shall become
channels for currents of life-giving power. From our homes will flow
streams of healing, bringing life, and beauty, and fruitfulness where now
are barrenness and dearth.
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