Living In The Light

March 20, The Altar Of Prayer

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
—Hebrews 4:16 LL 87.1

Every family should rear its altar of prayer, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If any persons in the world need the strength and encouragement that religion gives, it is those who are responsible for the education and training of children. They cannot do their work in a manner acceptable to God while their daily example teaches those who look to them for guidance that they can live without God. If they educate their children to live for this life only, they will make no preparation for eternity. They will die as they have lived, without God, and parents will be called to account for the loss of their souls. Fathers, mothers, you need to seek God morning and evening at the family altar, that you may learn how to teach your children wisely, tenderly, lovingly. LL 87.2

. . . If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. Infidelity and skepticism prevail. Iniquity abounds. Corruption flows in the vital currents of the soul, and rebellion against God breaks out in the life. Enslaved by sin, the moral powers are under the tyranny of Satan. The soul is made the sport of his temptations; and unless some mighty arm is stretched out to rescue him, people go where the archrebel leads the way. LL 87.3

And yet, in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Christians have no family worship. They do not honor God in the home; they do not teach their children to love and fear Him. Many have separated themselves so far from Him that they feel under condemnation in approaching Him. They cannot “come boldly unto the throne of grace,” “lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Timothy 2:8). They have not a living connection with God. Theirs is a form of godliness without the power. LL 87.4

The idea that prayer is not essential is one of Satan’s most successful devices to ruin souls. Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength, and peace, and happiness. LL 87.5

. . . I know of nothing that causes me so great sadness as a prayerless home. I do not feel safe in such a house for a single night.— Child Guidance , pp. 517, 518. LL 87.6

Further Reflection: In what ways might communities benefit from families that consistently pray for them? LL 87.7