Family Worship
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and guidance and watchcare during the day! How fitting, also, when
evening comes, for parents and children to gather once more before
Him and thank Him for the blessings of the day that is past!
The father, or, in his absence, the mother, should conduct the
worship, selecting a portion of Scripture that is interesting and easily
understood. The service should be short. When a long chapter is read
and a long prayer offered, the service is made wearisome, and at its
close a sense of relief is felt. God is dishonored when the hour of
worship is made dry and irksome, when it is so tedious, so lacking in
interest, that the children dread it.
Fathers and mothers, make the hour of worship intensely interest-
ing. There is no reason why this hour should not be the most pleasant
and enjoyable of the day. A little thought given to preparation for it
will enable you to make it full of interest and profit. From time to
time let the service be varied. Questions may be asked on the portion
of Scripture read, and a few earnest, timely remarks may be made.
A song of praise may be sung. The prayer offered should be short
and pointed. In simple, earnest words let the one who leads in prayer
praise God for His goodness and ask Him for help. As circumstances
permit, let the children join in the reading and the prayer.
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Eternity alone will reveal the good with which such seasons of
worship are fraught.
The life of Abraham, the friend of God, was a life of prayer.
Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was built an altar, upon
which were offered the morning and the evening sacrifice. When his
tent was removed, the altar remained. And the roving Canaanite, as he
came to that altar, knew who had been there. When he had pitched his
tent he repaired the altar and worshiped the living God.
So the homes of Christians should be lights in the world. From
them, morning and evening, prayer should ascend to God as sweet
incense. And as the morning dew, His mercies and blessings will
descend upon the suppliants.
Fathers and mothers, each morning and evening gather your chil-
dren around you, and in humble supplication lift the heart to God for
help. Your dear ones are exposed to temptation. Daily annoyances
beset the path of young and old. Those who would live patient, loving,
cheerful lives must pray. Only by receiving constant help from God
can we gain the victory over self.