No one chooses the family they are born into. The relationships we form with our family, especially in childhood, have the potential to leave an indelible mark for the rest of our natural lives. One of the best ways we can grow as a family and become the world changers God calls us to be is through prayer. Unfortunately, sin has a way of creeping in and straining our family relationships.
Whether our relationship is with a parent, sibling, or an extended family member, every one of us is a sinner and has fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
Sin committed by anyone is bound to cause disruption within the family. Greed in the form of workaholism can lead to neglected children. Lust can lead to a cheating spouse. Anger has the potential to make everyone unhappy and even feel unsafe.
Thankfully, God has valued the family since the beginning of the Bible. He did not see fit for Adam to be alone (Genesis 2:18). And he values family so much that he once blessed generations before they came to be.
“I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:6-7)
While families are sometimes replete with joy, and other times with heartache, God provides a clear example of how we as believers should behave through Jesus. If your family has fallen into hardship, know that the difficulties are a part of a season. Through prayer you can make your requests known to God (Phillippians 4:6). He will see you and your family through until the end.
Here are 5 prayers for peace in the family.
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“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Our Father,
You have presented us with a clear description of love in Scripture. Not only that, but Jesus himself embodies all the love you have for your people. I know that I am supposed to model this love, but God, I have fallen short. My family and I struggle to show love in the ways you desire.
Among other things, we lack patience with one another, kindness, humility. I pray for a shift in our hearts. I pray for a change within each of us that makes us more Christ-like. May we become more loving day by day so that peace will resonate between us instead of hostility.
Thank you for your patience with us. Thank you that we still have opportunity to change our ways and repair our relationships. Please help us to learn to make the most out of every moment we have with one another.
Amen.
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“bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:13)
God,
Thank you for all the days and all the moments you have expressed forgiveness on my behalf. Sadly, I am finding difficulty in forgiving my family for the pain they have caused me. They too feel the same way about me.
I know that your Word says we will be forgiven according to how we forgive. So I must forgive, but God, sometimes I am too angry, too afraid to give them another chance. Please, soften my heart. Reveal to me the beauty of expressing forgiveness. Please help me to learn how to properly give forgiveness, and may that encourage my family to do the same.
No sin, no mistake, is worth losing my family. Help us each to realize that.
Amen.
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“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)
Father in Heaven,
My family struggles with communication. In times of anger, frustration, and other emotions, words are spoken, but almost none of them are helpful. I know through Scripture that words have the power to heal and uplift others.
Right now, I am struggling. My family is struggling. We don’t know how to communicate healthily, but I’m asking that you please teach us. Show us how to see you despite our high-stakes emotions. Our thoughts at times are clouded by how we feel that we forget how to express love to one another.
Help us to maintain a godly perspective in conversation, where we focus on loving instead of winning the conflict.
I pray that we get to a place where the end result of conflict is a closer bond, not greater division. And not only that we grow closer to each other, but more importantly you.
Amen.
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“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phillippians 4:13)
Father in Heaven,
There is so much pain within this family. We have been through a lot. We have put one another through a lot. While I know that forgiveness is important, forgetting the pain of what happened at times feels impossible.
I pray to you now for healing. While we may never forget how we felt, I pray that we make room for new emotions, positive emotions. Heal us from the pain of yesterday so that we may experience the joy of tomorrow.
Thank you for your son. Through him I know that all things are possible including the miracle of healing.
Amen.
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“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
God,
People always inevitably disappoint. The same is true for myself and my family. Though this may be true God, I want us all to be able to trust each other. I pray that you help us to keep past failures in perspective with past moments of successes. I pray that we stop allowing past sins and bad decisions keep us from trusting in our family like we should in the present.
We are to love each other at all times. Therefore, we should trust at all times. I pray that you show us what trust should look like within our family unit. I pray we learn to exercise trust, not just during the moments of serenity, but also in moments of adversity.
Trust is meant to take us through every season, so I pray that we learn to trust always.
Amen.
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)
God supports the idea of peace within the family. Since everyone is sinful, their actions will always cause hurt, disappointment, and frustration at some point in life.
God’s word presents us with holy ways to respond to these negative emotions. Scripture makes clear that peace is possible. How much peace we achieve will depend on how hard we are willing to work for it.
We can rest assured that if God desires peace for us and our families he is willing to work for us and through us. The question then is how badly do we desire peace?
May these prayers comfort you and your family in your time of need.
This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayer for God's Help
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
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