THE FAMILY ALTAR 

August 31.

"Two men went up into the Temple to pray, the one a Pharisee

and the other a publican." Luke 18:10.

How do we go to church, and when in church, how do we

pray? Is it not true that so many among our young people go

to church unwillingly, only because they are forced to go by their

parents? And when in church, they show no reverent fear in

the presence of God, who resides in His holy temple by means of

His saving Word and Sacraments. They never think of praying

for themselves, for their parents, for their pastor or for Christ's

kingdom while thus at church. And how many older people go

to church only from force of habit, thinking they merit heaven

by their strict churchgoing and other religious acts ! If they pray

at all, it is the prayer of the self-righteous Pharisee which they

raise, only in a different form. We are to go to church not only

to listen to the sermon, but also to pray; and when we pray, we

are to do like the publican — pray with a penitent and humble

heart that sincerely longs for God's forgiveness and mercy. Not

one of us can say that he has been pure in his heart and clean

from all sin. And when he thinks of what trials and temptations

the future may bring, does he not sorely need God's loving-kindness

and daily pardon for his constant sinful weakness? Let us, then,

talk with God in earnest prayer when we are in church, and not

talk or whisper with our neighbors. Let us pray, as did the pub-

lican, with a heart hungering for grace and mercy. Then our

prayer will be heard of God, and His blessing will be upon us in

all we do.

To Thy temple I repair;

Lord, I love to worship there.

While Thy glorious praise is sung,

Touch my lips, unloose my tongue.

While I hearken to Thy Law,

Fill my soul with humble awe,

Till Thy Gospel bring to me

Life and immortality.

While Thy ministers proclaim

Peace and pardon in Thy name,

Through their voice, by faith, may I

Hear Thee speaking from the sky.

From Thy house when I return,

May my heart within me burn;

And at evening let me say,

"I have walked with God to-day."