p. 9 | G. B. THOMPSON by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 14, 1907

G. B. THOMPSON

By G. B. Thompson

Prayer—No. 5

G. B. THOMPSON

A PRAYERLESS home is indeed a sad thing to behold, especially when the inmates profess to love God. In Jer. 10: 25 we read: “Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not upon thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.”

In some homes where once the family altar was set up, and the father as the priest of the family gathered the members of his household together morning and evening for prayer, and to seek the Lord for help, it has fallen down. The cares of life have crowded out this blessed hour from the home. But mark it—backsliding is gradual—the day that family worship was omitted, your backsliding began. When family worship is crowded out of the home through making the cares of life primary, the spiritual influence suffers in consequence. When the voice of vocal prayer is heard no more, the spiritual atmosphere changes, and as a result the children drift into the world and are lost.

The following beautiful words concerning family prayer will be read with profit:—

“Surely the goodness of a thoughtful Providence, received day after day in unbroken continuity, requires some grateful recognition of praise. Then is it not a perilous thing for members of the household to disperse in the morning to their duties and responsibilities, into dangers and temptations, to meet possible trials, without invoking Heaven’s guidance, protection, and help? There is reason to fear that in many homes family worship is neglected, and that in the intense whirl and excitement of these busy times the neglect is becoming more and more common. How can we expect God’s blessing upon our homes if we do not call upon his name? Is it any wonder that there is sorrow over children’s wanderings in the households in which there is no family altar?”

“There is a wondrous educating influence in the daily assemblage of the family for prayer. Where through childhood and youth the custom has been regularly maintained, its influence over the life is such as can never be wholly obliterated. And it may be seriously questioned whether in any other way, by any other means, children can be so firmly ‘bound by gold chains about the feet of God.’”

“The memories of the old family altar, waked years and years after the home walls had crumbled and the home voices had become silent, have led many a wanderer back to God’s feet.”

“Then there is nothing else that so sweetens the home-life. True family worship is a fountain that brings streams of holy influence into every part of the household. It is a vase of perfume that sheds fragrance over all. It softens asperities. It quells anger. It quiets impatience. It settles difficulties. It subdues evil passions. Hearts that are drawn together at God’s feet every day can not get very far apart. The frictions of the day are forgotten when all voices mingle in the same heavenly song. As the tender words of inspiration fall with their benign counsels, all feeling of unkindness melts away. The altar in the midst wondrously hallows and sweetens the home fellowship. Besides, it puts new strength into every heart. It comforts sorrow. It is a shield against temptation. It smoothes out the wrinkles of care. It inspires strength for burden bearing. It quickens every religious sentiment, and keeps the fires burning on every heart’s altar.”—“Week-Day Religion,” pages 77–79.

Has the family altar fallen down in your home? Or have you been neglecting to establish in your home the morning and evening hour of prayer? In either case, delay no longer. Begin today. Gather your family together, and after reading God’s Word, kneel before him and thank him for the many blessings you have continually received, confess your sins, and pray that he who

notes the sparrow’s fall will keep you as a family from sin. This will bring the blessing of God into your heart, and strengthen you in many a conflict with the powers of darkness.

Takoma Park, D. C.