Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

— Colossians 3:16, ESV 

THE TESTIMONY 

The life of Abraham, the friend of God, was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was built an altar, upon which were offered the morning and the evening sacrifice.  

So the homes of Christians should be lights in the world. From them, morning and evening, prayer should ascend to God as sweet incense. And as the morning dew, His mercies and blessings will descend upon the suppliants. 

And yet, in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Christians have no family worship... They have not a living connection with God. 

Fathers and mothers, each morning and evening gather your children around you, and in humble supplication lift the heart to God for help. Your dear ones are exposed to temptation. Daily annoyances beset the path of young and old. Those who would live patient, loving, cheerful lives must pray. Only by receiving constant help from God can we gain the victory over self. 

Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that day... One brief day is given you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for the Master. 

Fathers and mothers, make the hour of worship intensely interesting... Questions may be asked on the portion of Scripture read, and a few earnest, timely remarks may be made. A song of praise may be sung. 

The prayer offered should be short and pointed. In simple, earnest words let the one who leads in prayer praise God for His goodness and ask Him for help. As circumstances permit, let the children join in the reading and the prayer. 

Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate. Accept His plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects. 

Thus the life will be molded more and more after the divine example; “and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.   

— Testimonies for the Church Volume 7, p.43,44 

THE RESPONSE 

Morning and evening pray to God seeking His mercies and blessings for your family. 

Each morning and evening gather your children around you. In humble supplication lift your heart to God to receive help to gain the victory over self and to live patient, loving, cheerful lives.

Pray in simple, earnest words. Praise God for His goodness and ask Him for help. 

Lay all your plans before God accepting His plans instead of your own.