prayer should be made, but which might be overlooked if not written on a request list. However, one of the greatest advantages of a prayer list which is kept up to date is the positive proof which it offers to every member of the family concerning God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. At the end of any given period the family can look back and count all of the prayers which God has answered. In retrospect one can also see how God answered some prayers in won derful ways that did not seem to be answers at the time they were considered for prayer. After such experiences ill family prayer, just try to tell a teen-ager that God does not answer! He knows God does because he has written down and crossed off prayer requests for years! Appropriate Materials In addition to the Bible, a number of excellent supple mentary materials are available for family devotions. There are excellent Bible story books for young children which adults will also enjoy. Simple Studies for Family Devotions, by Keith L. Brooks, is splendid. In fact, it was developed so that young children could understand and enjoy God’s Word in family devotions. Ken Taylor’s books for children are excellent for this purpose. They are very interesting, and they contain the basic doctrines of the Bible. There are many other publications which are also available at local Christian bookstores. Guests and Visitors Another stimulating feature of family devotions can be that of occasionally inviting one’s neighbors and other friends to join in them. Such practices prove to be great blessings to the family, as well as to the ones who are invited. There are many people who never have devo tions in their homes, and they are happy when they are invited to share this family time. In fact, this is one of the very best ways to interest an unsaved person in the the things of Christ. Many people have been marvelously won to the Lord through an invitation to join the family altar. Spiritually Broken Homes A problem is sometimes posed when only one parent is saved, and interested in spiritual things. Some Chris tians in this position have given up trying to have family devotions. This may seem the easiest way out, but it is not a wise choice. Parents who love the Lord are respon sible for teaching their children about Christ, even though one marriage partner is uninterested. Naturally such arrangements must be in the spirit of love, and not calculated to provoke the non-participating parent. If one is earnest in his desire to have devotions with his family, and prays fervently, God will make a way for him to do so. If all attempts have seemed to fail, one may seek coun sel from his minister or from a Christian friend. The Christian Family's Greatest Challenge These are times of unprecedented evil and confusion. Our courts are overcrowded with juvenile criminals and delinquents. Our mental institutions are unable to accept for admission thousands who cannot maintain a dynamic balance amid the stresses and strains of life. Christian families cannot afford to neglect systematic devotions in their homes, These devotions are the primary source from which our children learn to pray and understand God’s Word. They form a bond of fellowship about the family circle that is even sweeter than its human ties. Family devotions fortify us against the temptations and emer gencies of life. To the Christian family there is nothing that pays greater dividends. There is no greater chal lenge! is
may require an adjustment in family routine. Parents may have to retire for bed at the same time and arise the next morning together. But this is as it should be and it is surely not too great a sacrifice if it promotes a time that is convenient for the family’s most important activity. Full Participation Family devotions are for every member of the family. They should be geared toward the level of the younger members so that all may receive the most benefit from them. In some families one adult, usually the father, calls the family together, reads the Bible to them and then prays. Actually this is not a family devotion. This is merely father having his own-devotions with all of the family watching him! Needless to say there are much better ways of conducting devotions. We gain the most when we are personally involved in them. There should be participation by every member. Even very young children can have some part in family devotions. Rotating the Leadership Although the father may wish to assume general responsibility for family devotions, it is suggested that leadership rotate among the adults, teen-agers and any other members who are- capable of leading. Parents can assume the responsibility for reminding the other mem bers of the family of their leadership roles. This means that the leader has the Bible or other materials ready and that he calls on different ones to read and pray and testify. Families enjoy this change of leadership and many good ideas are discovered in this manner. When Christian young people marry and establish homes of their own, they should begin family altars, hav ing had years of experience leading devotions themselves. Too many couples go to the marriage altar, ready to establish Christian homes without ever having led in family devotions. This is indeed an unfortunate commen tary on our Christian homes! Songs One of the most refreshing parts of family devotions can be singing. During the busy day we may possibly forget some of the Bible reading, but we are not likely to forget the songs. Great scriptural truths are taught through hymns. Appropriate choruses may also prove desirable. Songs help to prepare families for devotions. They can also provide a fitting close for a time of prayer. Memory Verses Another vital part of devotions is the memorization of Bible verses. Carefully selected Scripture portions can be learned during this time. In a relatively short period these verses number in the hundreds. Each member of the family can suggest portions which they all might like to memorize. It is not a difficult task to learn these passages when the entire family reads them aloud sev eral times and then discusses their meanings. At the end of each week verses which were recently learned may be reviewed. These Bible verses can be a source of great comfort, guidance and strength through the day. “ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11). Prayer One of the sweetest parts of family devotions is prayer time. Opportunity should be afforded several people to offer prayer. It is suggested that families prepare a prayer list which may be referred to each day. These individual requests should be marked off as God answers them. This will not only establish a consistent plan of prayer, but it will help bring to mind people arid situations for which JA N U A R Y , 1964
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