I grew up in a family where family prayers regularly ascended to the throne of grace in the evening. From an early age, I felt the value of family devotions. At the age of sixteen, I visited a family whose Christian walk was well known. In the evening, we went to bed without praying together. I was incredibly surprised and disappointed. At that time, I did not yet profess to be a born-again Christian, but in my room, I knelt down by my bed and prayed for these dear people who, in my opinion, did not have enough Christianity to call their family together to pray. Early in the morning, I was called: “Let’s have prayer!” This shamed me, and I prayed again, this time that God would forgive me for judging others so hastily. At home, we always had our devotions in the evening; this family did it in the morning. The important thing is not when family devotions are held, but that they are made a priority.
A Chinese girl attending university in a Christian country was invited to a home to spend the Christmas holidays there. When she left to return to school, her kind host commented that she hoped she had had a good vacation. Imagine the kind lady’s disappointment when she was told: “In our country, we have our household gods in every home, and every day some time is devoted to their worship. I have certainly felt comfortable here and you have been truly kind to me. But I have missed the worship service in your home.”
During the time of family prayer, the entire family is taken into confidence. The wishes and needs of each individual family member are brought before the mercy seat of God. As each one speaks to the heavenly Father, all those present are silent participants in the conversation. The prayer room becomes the throne room because that is where we meet God.
When I think of my childhood home, I always remember my father’s prayers and the hours we spent on our knees: father, mother, and I with my younger siblings. When I was nine years old, my father passed away. But our prayers didn’t stop. Mother went upstairs with us, and there beside the bed she would gather us together like a hen takes her chicks under her wings. She placed her arms over us while we knelt, and she prayed. To this day, this is my fondest memory of home.
As I was writing this article about family devotions, it occurred to me to ask some people what their favorite childhood memory was. Repeatedly, I heard: “One of the most special memories of home was our time of praying together.” Others replied: “Family devotions are one of my most sacred memories,” or “God has always been present for me; I attribute this to the thoughts I absorbed while I was on my knees listening to my parents’ prayers.” – Certainly, many do not have the privilege of being brought up in a Christian home. Many a child has never had the privilege of hearing his father pray, nor does he know the blessing that flows from his mother’s prayer. Such a child is to be pitied; his loss is greater than he realizes.
As I was holding meetings in a particular church, I encouraged the listeners to set up family altars at home. According to the mother of one family, the children were against it because they didn’t understand what a ‘”family altar”meant. Nevertheless, she insisted, and her husband silently gave his consent. One morning, she said: “Come children, let’s sing a song first thing this morning.” Everyone joined in happily. Next, she said, “Now Father will read us a passage from the Bible,” which he did. “Let’s kneel down and pray.” So, she began to praise the Lord, and finally everyone joined in with prayer. When they got up and went into the kitchen for breakfast, one of the children asked, “Mom, was that the family altar?” She quickly replied: “Yes, darling, this is our family altar. Did you like it?” “Yes, I like it; I hope we can do this every morning!”
Can family devotions really mean so much? Then what is the secret? – It is this: During prayer, everyone stands together in the presence of God. Everything else is put aside, hearts are open, and thoughts are focused solely on God. It is obviously essential for prayer to be genuine and honest, and this sincere worship of God inspires the children. And when God answers prayers, families can thank God and celebrate together, and the faith of the children grows and provides a solid foundation throughout their lives.
During family devotions, children observe their parents’ innermost selves – not as outsiders see them, but as they really are in the inner circle of the family. Family devotions allow the children to see their parents’ relationship with God. When they grow up, it is no wonder that they regard these times as their most sacred memory.
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