Some
perform it only in a formal way, having the form without the spirit of
prayer, as if God did not require the fervent, in order to the effectual,
prayer that availeth much.
As a general thing, at the present day, not more than three or four
families out of a whole congregation, have established the family altar.
The parents may engage in closet prayer, but their children are strangers
to the fact. Their devotions they seem zealous to conceal, as if they were
ashamed of their piety. Can this be right? Is this the will of God? No!
methinks if the parent is faithful to the duty of private prayer, he cannot
omit the duty and privilege of family devotion. But why neglect family
prayer? Are you ashamed of your children? Have you no time? Then you are
unworthy of a family, and should not profess to act towards them as the
steward of God. Think you that God will not answer and bless your prayers?
What more could you do and hope for your children than to offer up
supplications for them to God?
"What could a mother's prayer,
In all the wildest ecstacy of hope,
Ask for her darling like the bliss of heaven?"
Many seek by the most frivolous excuses, to justify their neglect of family
prayer. Some will urge the press of other duties, alleging that other
engagements prevent it. This is false. God lays upon you no engagement that
is designed to supersede the necessity of prayer.
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