WHEN gathered around the family altar, not one should be forgotten or neglected. Every one old enough—and that includes most of the little folks—should have a part in the devotions. Each one can repeat a verse if nothing more. Repeat the same ones over and over, if new ones can not be learned each day. And very early the children can be led to join in the prayers, the matchless prayer of our Lord at least.
When the father prays, why not remember every one of the family at the throne of grace? Mention every one by name. If some are absent, it is so much better to ask the heavenly Father to "bless and keep Henry and Rachel in their labors to-day" than to seek the blessing upon "the absent members of our circle," however much that may include. If every child present hears his name mentioned day after day before the Father's throne while he is at home, he will wander far before he forgets that at the morning watch he is committed to the care of watchful angels of God; he can not help being influenced for good.
It is a pleasure to join in the worship in a home where this plan is followed. There, too, the visitors are remembered and named, introduced as it were to the heavenly Father, and sent on their way with a blessing. God is not far away from such a scene, and His presence and blessing are expected and appreciated. The memory of their names in father's prayer will linger in the hearts of the children thruout the day, and thruout life, and the ability to pray understandingly will ever be a source of strength. Too much can not be expected of the children who early learn to pray.