FAMILY PRAYER by J. P. Henderson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 16, 1893

FAMILY PRAYER.

By J. P. Henderson

BY ELDER J. P. HENDERSON.

FATHER from his daily duties, Mother from domestic care, Children from their playthings, gathered, Morning, evening, family prayer.

Hush the household's busy rattle; Hush the noise of bustle there; Hush! they're kneeling at the threshold; 'Tis the hour of family prayer.

Sweet the words of Bible reading, All the words of Jesus share; Sweet the voice, parental pleading— Time of worship, family prayer—

Pleading for the wife and children, Pleading heaven's protecting care, Mother's lips, too, interceding, Voiced in sweetest family prayer.

Little ones in love tones lisping, Taught to speak to Jesus there, Never lose the precious influence, Borne to them in family prayer.

The family altar's heaven's threshold; Angels surely come to share, But they weep in shame and sadness Where there is no family prayer.

Heaven's blessings daily sharing, Heaven's needed everywhere; How can you neglect, my brother, Holding daily family prayer?

In harvest and in summer labor, When beset with anxious care, Time is never lost, my brother, When engaged in family prayer.

—Iowa Bulletin.