Prayer: The Missing Link I

In today’s fast-paced world, where men and women are busy working round the clock to make ends meet, most Christian homes have long forgotten this integral part of the family foundation, which is the family altar.

What is family altar?

The word family altar simply means a time when all family members gather together in worship, sharing of the Word and in prayer. One of the gimmicks of the devil to attack homes today is to successfully lure them away from praying together, and before you know what is happening, the family that was once happy and united, gradually falls apart. No wonder a wise man said ‘the family that prays together stays together.’ No doubt, prayer is one of the foundation stones of a happy family. Therefore, watch out so that your foundation does not get out of place.

The Bible says:

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3).

I would like to share with you the purposes of the family altar. Myles Munroe said, “If the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable,” I agree absolutely.

The Purpose of Family Altar

As seen from the above definition, it is a time set aside deliberately and purposely to worship God and to reverence His Word.

Not only should it be a time of prayer, but the Word of God must be shared during your family devotion as well.

The Bible says:

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Just like you will not allow your family members to go hungry physically, it is very important also to see to their well being spiritually. Your home is a good place to practice what Apostle Paul said in Colossians 3:16. He said:

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

Today many schools do not regard the teachings of the Bible; infact some of them out rightly reject and negate the teachings of the word of God. So you must keep the Bible and its teachings central in your home and teach your children from it.
There are many forces out in the world contending with our faith as Christians on a daily basis. Family altar time should therefore be a time to teach your household faith from the Word of God that will inject into them the much-needed convictions and spiritual stamina to stand up against the pressures out there.
So, let your family members understand what you believe from the perspective of the word of God and be grounded in the doctrine of the Bible.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut 6:4-7).

Family worship time is also a time to share testimonies. Your household must know that God still answers prayer and performs miracles. So, when you pray over issues and God answers the prayer, it is good to encourage them to share it, giving all the glory to Him. This will constantly strengthen their individual faith, and there will not be any confusion about God and His ways even in the most tempting and difficult times. Encourage everyone therefore to be bold to share prayer points, expect God’s intervention and in turn share their testimonies when the answers come.
At the family altar, you also pray for others. You intercede for your pastors, unsaved loved ones, fellow believers in need, the leadership of your nation and others that the Holy Spirit lays on your heart to pray for. This is a clear scriptural injunction for all Christians:

“I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority…. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our savior.” 2 Tim. 2:1-3.

If this culture is established in your home, it will help your household to honour those in authority and to have compassion for the weak. Not only that, it will also provoke God to remember your own needs and turn your captivity like He did for Job when he prayed for his friends; Job 42:10.

Note however that only those who are God’s children by new birth have His ears. In other words, praying is not just a religious act but communication between a Father and His child. You therefore need to become God’s child by confessing your sins and inviting Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Saviour. If you want this new birth experience please pray the following prayer with me: Lord Jesus, I come to You today, wash me clean from my sins, make me a new creature.  Thank You Jesus for writing my name in the book of life.  Now, I know that I am born again.  Amen!
Congratulations!  You are now born again and a child of God.

–

Ngozi Nwoke

Grace and peace of God be unto you.

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