Building A Prayer Altar in The Family
A family altar will transform your family. One of the most important things you can do to cover your family spiritually is to establish a place of communal prayer in your home. It cannot be denied that for many families, this is a challenging task. There are numerous commitments that modern families must juggle, from the demands of housework to the business trips of the husband and sometimes working wives and the extracurricular activities of the children – all of which can serve as reasons and monopolize our time. As a result, many families no longer pray together for weeks or even months.
Before this becomes too challenging to accomplish, some practical tips will help you start building a family altar and experience that “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.“ (Psalm 34:17 NIV)
- Consistency
Inconsistency hinders efforts and limits our growth. Make spending time with your family a top priority and stick to it. Do it until it becomes a habit in your schedule. We often struggle to achieve this, but keep doing it until it becomes essential to your daily routine. - Communication
This is a time to talk to God and each other. Share burdens and expressions of gratitude as family members. One family member can help create a journal or record book and jot down each other’s thoughts and concerns. Use this time to put away smartphones and electronic devices, engage in face-to-face conversations, and truly connect with each other. - Praise and Worship
Incorporate praise and worship into your family altar. Teach your children that worship is not limited to the church walls alone. Let your home be your sanctuary. Worship the Lord together and make this a special moment to connect with God as a family. - Creativity
Don’t let your family altar become routine and boring. Change things up from time to time and make it engaging. Do whatever it takes to keep your children involved. Let them pray or even occasionally lead the family. This time should be taken seriously, but it doesn’t have to be dull.
5. Friendship
Remember, this is about building a family that functions within the body of Christ. A quote says, “A family that prays together stays together.” Twenty years from now, your children will cherish the small moments you experienced together. Remember, you’re not just building a family altar, but you’re also building a family.
Source: Ps. Dave Rustanto (Global Prayer Coordinator)
