REBUILD THE FAMILY ALTAR
REVIVAL MUST REACH OUR HOMES
By Reverend Gary Hoban
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)
National revival cannot remain inside church buildings. It must reach the home. Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” is more than a familiar verse; it is a call for Christian households to become places of prayer, Scripture, forgiveness, worship and discipleship.
THE HOME IS A DISCIPLESHIP CENTRE
Church programs can support families, but they cannot replace the spiritual responsibility of the home. Children and grandchildren need to see faith lived consistently – not only on Sunday, but around the table, in decisions, conflict, generosity and everyday conversation.
RESTORE PRAYER IN THE HOME
A family altar does not require a complicated program. Begin simply. Pray together. Read Scripture. Thank God. Pray for one another and for people in need. Consistency matters more than performance.
FATHERS AND MOTHERS MATTER
Parents carry enormous spiritual influence. Fathers and mothers do not need to be perfect, but they must be present, repentant, prayerful and willing to model obedience to Jesus. Where families are wounded, the Church must bring grace, support and practical care.
THE NEXT GENERATION NEEDS TRUTH
Children are being discipled every day by media, education, friends and culture. Christian homes must intentionally teach a biblical worldview – who God is, who we are, what sin is, what Christ has done and how followers of Jesus live.
FORGIVENESS MUST LIVE IN THE HOME
Healthy Christian homes are not homes without conflict; they are homes where repentance, forgiveness and grace are practised. Children learn the Gospel when they see adults humble themselves and make things right.
OPEN YOUR HOME TO OTHERS
Hospitality is a powerful form of ministry. A table, a meal, a listening ear and sincere prayer can turn an ordinary home into a place of healing, discipleship and Gospel witness.
DISCIPLESHIP HAPPENS IN ORDINARY MOMENTS
Deuteronomy tells God’s people to speak of His commands when sitting at home, walking along the way, lying down and rising up. Discipleship is woven into everyday life. Ordinary moments become holy opportunities.
HEALING MUST ENTER THE HOME
Many homes carry wounds from conflict, divorce, grief, addiction or disappointment. The Church must not simply preach an ideal; it must also walk patiently with people toward healing, forgiveness and restoration.
GRANDPARENTS CARRY A LEGACY
Older believers possess testimony and wisdom that the next generation desperately needs. Grandparents and spiritual grandparents can pray, encourage, teach Scripture and model enduring faith.
SINGLES ARE PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD
Biblical family ministry must never make single people feel secondary. The Church is a household of faith where every believer belongs and has a place to serve, disciple and be discipled.
LET THE HOME BECOME AN ALTAR AGAIN
Turn off the noise. Open the Bible. Pray together. Sing if you can. Bless your children. Forgive quickly. Welcome people. Serve others. A household surrendered to Christ can become a light in its neighbourhood.
PROTECT THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE HOME
What we repeatedly watch, listen to and celebrate shapes the spiritual atmosphere of a household. Christian families should make wise choices that honour Christ without becoming fearful or legalistic.
TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO PRAY
Children do not need perfect words. Let them hear simple, sincere prayer. Invite them to pray for school friends, teachers, missionaries and family needs. Prayer becomes normal when it is practised naturally.
LET SCRIPTURE BECOME FAMILIAR
A Bible that is never opened cannot disciple a family. Read short passages. Talk about what they mean. Memorise key verses. Let the language and promises of Scripture become part of everyday conversation.
THE CHURCH MUST SUPPORT THE HOME
Families need more than criticism from the pulpit. They need mentoring, pastoral care, practical help, marriage support, encouragement for parents and a community where children can see many faithful examples of Christian maturity.
THIS MONTH: FAMILIES AND THE NEXT GENERATION
Christian homes becoming places of prayer, Scripture and discipleship. Pray for marriages, parents, children, grandparents, singles and vulnerable families, and for the next generation to know Jesus personally.
10 PRAYER POINTS
• Prayer restored in Christian homes – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• Strength for marriages – Ephesians 5:25
• Wisdom for parents – Proverbs 22:6
• Healing of family relationships – Colossians 3:13
• Protection for children – Psalm 91:11
• A biblical worldview for the next generation – Romans 12:2
• Spiritual fathers and mothers – 1 Corinthians 4:15
• Churches strengthening families – Titus 2:1-8
• Young people filled with the Spirit – Joel 2:28
• Households serving the Lord – Joshua 24:15
PRAYER FOCUS
Families and the next generation. Pray for prayer and Scripture to return to Christian homes, marriages to be strengthened and children to know Jesus personally.
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)
A PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILIES
Heavenly Father,
We place our homes before You.
Strengthen marriages and heal wounded relationships.
Give parents wisdom, patience and courage.
Protect children and young people from deception and harm.
Restore prayer and Scripture to Christian homes.
Raise fathers, mothers and grandparents who model faith with humility.
Bring lonely and vulnerable people into genuine Christian community.
Let forgiveness replace bitterness and peace replace conflict.
May households across Australia declare, “We will serve the Lord.”
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
OUR MISSION
To equip, encourage and mobilise Spirit-filled believers to pray, proclaim God’s Word and contend for revival, reformation and the advancement of God’s Kingdom in Australia.
CONNECT WITH US
Telegram: t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia
Zoom Prayer Meeting: Wednesdays — 6:30 PM AEST
Email: info@refinerylife.org
Website: www.refinerylife.org
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
NEXT WEEK
ISSUE 8 – Watchmen on the Walls.
LET US STAND TOGETHER IN PRAYER. GOD IS NOT DONE WITH AUSTRALIA!
WATCH • PRAY • DISCERN • STAND
