Let
Visitors Join in Family Worship
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.
From My Life Today - Page 208
