Page:The church manual (Church of the Brethren 1916).djvu/50

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A time set apart for the assembling of the whole family together for a season of religious devotion. In this service no member of the household should be overlooked or excused. The children, the visitors, and the helps, — all should be invited, and expected to be present.

The husband, as the head of the family, if a Christian, should have the oversight of the services, but should always encourage every member of the household, at times, to take some part in the services.

The form of worship differs some in different families. Some open it by singing a suitable hymn, followed by reading a chapter, or part of a chapter, from the Bible, and prayer. Others omit the singing, and have only Scripture reading and prayer. In this prayer, one, two or more may engage, the last one closing with the Lord's Prayer.

True prayer is the desire of the heart made known unto the Lord, and therefore may be very simple in form. Yet how to pray was a question among the disciples, and they asked the Savior to teach them. The form he gave them is the most comprehensive of all forms, and, if carefully studied, in it will be found an excellent guide.