400
Child Guidance
through the day. Questions may be asked, a few earnest, interesting
remarks made, or incident, short and to the point, may be brought in
by way of illustration. At least a few verses of spirited song may be
sung, and the prayer offered should be short and pointed. The one who
leads in prayer should not pray about everything, but should express
his needs in simple words and praise God with thanksgiving
In arousing and strengthening a love for Bible study, much depends
on the use of the hour of worship. The hours of morning and evening
worship should be the sweetest and most helpful of the day. Let it be
understood that into these hours no troubled, unkind thoughts are to
intrude; that parents and children assemble to meet with Jesus and to
invite into the home the presence of holy angels. Let the services be
brief and full of life, adapted to the occasion, and varied from time to
time. Let all join in the Bible reading and learn and often repeat God’s
law. It will add to the interest of the children if they are sometimes
permitted to select the reading. Question them upon it, and let them ask
questions. Mention anything that will serve to illustrate its meaning.
When the service is not thus made too lengthy, let the little ones take
part in prayer, and let them join in song, if it be but a single verse
Pray Clearly and Distinctly—By your own example teach your
children to pray with clear, distinct voice. Teach them to lift their
heads from the chair and never to cover their faces with their hands.
Thus they can offer their simple prayers, repeating the Lord’s prayer
[523]
in concert
The Power of Music—The history of the songs of the Bible is full
of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is
often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of
the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a
precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble
themes, to inspire and elevate the soul....
It is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with
spiritual truth. How often to the soul hard-pressed and ready to despair
memory recalls some word of God’s—the long-forgotten burden of a
childhood song—and temptations lose their power, life takes on new
15
The Signs of the Times, August 7, 1884
.
16
Education, 186
.
17
Manuscript 12, 1898
.