an unsaved person in 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 Christians in this position have given up trying to have fam ily devotions. This may seem the easiest way out, but it is not a wise choice. Parents who love the Lord are responsible for teaching their children about Christ, even though one marriage partner is uninterested. Naturally such ar rangements must be in the spirit of love, and not calculated to pro voke the non-participating par ent. If one is earnest in his desire to have devotions with his fam ily, and prays fervently, God will make a way for him to do so. If all attempts have seemed to fail, one may seek counsel from his minister or from a Christian friend. The Christians Family’s Greatest Challenge These are times ot unprece dented evil and confusion. Our courts are overcrowded with ju venile criminals and delinquents. Our mental institutions are un able to accept for admission thou sands who cannot maintain a dy namic 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 under stand God’s Word. They form a bond o f fellowship about the fam ily circle that is even sweeter than its human ties. Family devo tions fortify us against the temp tations and emergencies o f life. To the Christian family there is nothing that pays greater divi dends. There is no greater chal lenge ! Dr. Narramore invites questions from KING’S BUSINESS readers.
situations f o r which 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 o f the prayers which God has answered. In ret rospect 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 in family prayer, just try to tell a teenager 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 num ber of excellent supplementary materials are available for fam ily devotions. There are excellent Bible story books for young chil dren which adults will also enjoy. Simple Studies for Family Devo tions by Keith L. Brooks, is splen did. In fact, it was developed so that young children could under stand 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 o f 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 neigh bors 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 in vited. There are many people who never have devotions in their homes, and they are happy when they are invited to share this family time. In fact, this is one o f the very best ways to interest
minding the other members 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. Song* One o f the most refreshing parts o f 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 cho ruses may also prove desirable. Songs help to prepare families for devotions. They can also pro vide a fitting close for the time of prayer. M em ory Verses Another vital part of devotions is the memorization of Bible verses. Carefully selected Scrip ture portions can be learned dur ing this time. In a relatively short period these verses number in the hundreds. Each member of the family can suggest portions which they all m ight like to memorize. It is not a difficult task to learn these passages when the entire family reads them aloud several times and then discusses their meanings. At the end of each week verses which were re cently learned may be reviewed. These Bible verses can be a source o f 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 re ferred to each day. These individ ual requests should be marked off as God answers them. This will not only establish a consis tent plan of prayer, but it will help bring to mind people and
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JULY/AUGUST, 1969
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