The Importance of Family Worship
FAMILY worship lies at the foundation of family religion. Without the blessing of God, the children cannot prosper; and this blessing cannot be expected unsought. The child will not learn to pray for himself without the example of his parents. Those who neglect to pray with their children are, therefore, sowing for a bitter harvest which will be reaped by those who are dearest to their hearts. It is an instinct of nature that parents should pray for their children. And family worship is a delightful interlude in business or play. The hour of prayer, when it is not a mere form, is the calmest and happiest of the day. The cares of the family are put away, the jarrings of the family are forgotten, the anxieties of supplying the wants of the little ones, have passed out of sight, and the family united in love pour out their petitions dictated by affection to the Heavenly Father. The family that is without family prayer is a family only in name. And family prayer cannot flourish and prosper unless supported and strengthened by closet, private prayer.—Christian Observer.