Let the members of every family bear in mind that they are closely allied to heaven. The Lord has a
special interest in the families of His children here below. Angels offer the smoke of the fragrant
incense for the praying saints. Then in every family let prayer ascend to heaven both in the morning
and at the cool sunset hour, in our behalf presenting before God the Savior’s merits. Morning and
evening the heavenly universe take notice of every praying household.—Child Guidance, 519.
Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be called together; and the father, or the
mother in the father’s absence, should plead fervently with God to keep them through the day. Come
in humility, with a heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temptations and dangers before
yourselves and your children; by faith bind them upon the altar, entreating for them the care of the
Lord. Ministering angels will guard children who are thus dedicated to God.—Testimonies for the
Church 1:397, 398.
In every family there should be a fixed time for morning and evening worship. How appropriate it is
for parents to gather their children about them before the fast is broken, to thank the heavenly
Father for His protection during the night, and to ask Him for His help and guidance and watch care
during the day! How fitting, also, when evening comes, for parents and children to gather once
more before Him and thank Him for the blessings of the day that is past!—Testimonies for the
Church 7:43.
Family worship should not be governed by circumstances. You are not to pray occasionally and,
when you have a large day’s work to do, neglect it. In thus doing you lead your children to look
upon prayer as of no special consequence. Prayer means very much to the children of God, and
thank offerings should come up before God morning and evening.—Child Guidance, 520.
In our efforts for the comfort and happiness of guests, let us not overlook our obligations to God.
The hour of prayer should not be neglected for any consideration. Do not talk and amuse yourselves
till all are too weary to enjoy the season of devotion. To do this is to present to God a lame offering.
At an early hour of the evening, when we can pray unhurriedly and understandingly, we should
present our supplications and raise our voices in happy, grateful praise.—Messages to Young
People, 342.