Moses wrote to God’s chosen people: “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV).
Rock, beyond meaning solid and sturdy, is rooted in a privative word meaning “to confine, secure; to shut in, besiege; to shut up, enclose.” God doesn’t just protect and defend us, He secures His own. We live in the freedom of Jesus’ victory. The world is riddled with trauma and its inescapable effect on all of us. But in Christ, our joy cannot be stripped by dire circumstances. Agony on earth is temporary.
Confidently run to the Rock for respite from worry and protection for your family.
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1. A Prayer for Our Family’s Physical Protection
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Father,
Abba. Christ, Savior. Spirit, Comforter. Protect our family, and keep us safe from physical harm. Today and always, shield us from unnecessary pain and strife. Guard our home from destructive winds, fires and floods. Protect us from intruders, thieves, and those who mean to do us harm. Father, keep us safe as we walk out into the world and our daily activities. Help us to be alert and avoid accidents as we travel to and from our home.
Help us to make wise decisions so we don’t fall into painful consequences throughout the day. And when we do encounter physical pain, remind us, no matter how out of control we can feel in this world, You sovereignly reign from heaven.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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2. A Prayer for Our Family’s Health
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
Father,
You create every life with purpose, and know the number of our days. All creation obeys Your command, and we are the most precious part of it to You. Protect our family’s health, Father. Shield us from hidden disease and mysterious viruses. Break the chains of our own destructive habits, and their consequential side effects on our physical and mental health. We will get sick, and suffer physically on this earth. Our bodies will endure aches, pains, and illnesses, especially as they fail us in old age. We pray Your sovereign hand over our families’ health. Keep our minds sharp and aware. May we walk in wisdom, and trust Your plan for our lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Carlos David
3. A Prayer for Peace within Our Family
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Father,
Human relationships are challenging, and our family relationships are extremely hard at times. When we are pressing on each others’ nerves, please protect our peace. May our family relationships be places of respite and refilling, encouragement and admonishment. Though the things we have to say to each other may not always be easy to hear, let us always give and receive guidance with love and grace. We pray the peace of Christ to reign over our family, and flow through us to those whom our lives border. Heal sibling rivalry and increase compassion in our family, Father. Release us from the burden of comparison and competition, and break any chains of condemnation and criticism. You place us purposefully in our families, Father. Let us embrace each other for who we are, right now, as You do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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4. A Prayer for God to Guard Our Family’s Hearts
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Father,
Our hearts are constantly under attack, but You are faithful to remind us, in Christ we cannot be defeated. We are victorious in Jesus, here on earth and for eternity. Guard our family’s hearts from attack, Father. Heal any member(s) of our family struggling with a sin they cannot shake. Establish our confidence in You, and You alone. Remind us our strength comes from You, not our accomplishments—nor does it fade with our failures. Guard our hearts from shame, guilt and condemnation. Let us not seek to compete with each other but see our hearts as You do, Father.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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5. A Prayer for Our Family to Know God’s Wisdom
“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” (Proverbs 2:11)
Father,
You are wise and good. All good things come from You. You are faithful and compassionate. It is Your wisdom we seek for our family. We pray this verse over our lives today: “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you” (Proverbs 4:6 ). As parents, we often talk our children’s ears off with too many words yet too little faith. You care for them exponentially more than we ever could. As children, we are often stubborn and hard-hearted until we learn from the lessons of our mistakes and missteps. Help all members of our family to operate with compassion, grace, forgiveness and understanding. Help us to listen to each other more than we speak, and seek Your counsel more than we try to solve problems ourselves.
Grant us Your perspective, and Your wisdom.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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6. A Prayer of Thanks for God’s Provision for Our Family
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-2)
Father,
We give all glory to You for this day, and Your purpose for it. Every day we wake to breathe carries a specific purpose You designed. Thank you for waking us to breathe today. As our family walks into another day full of things we have yet to know awaiting us, we confidently place our trust in Your provision for our lives. Thank you for providing for us, Father. We are thankful for the home we abide in, clothes that warm us and food that sustains us. We are grateful to You for our jobs, which allow us to enjoy this life’s blessings, and generously become a part of Your work on earth. May Your provision flow through us and onto the people You’ve placed around us. May we remember to daily take time to thank You for Your faithfulness.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages
7. A Prayer of Renewed Trust in the Rock to Protect Our Family
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Father,
You are our Rock. We trust in You to provide for us daily. You are our Healer, our Defender, and our Creator. All of the things we worry about pale in comparison to Your great power to sustain us. Help us to remember these truths as we navigate these difficult days on earth. When things seem to be upside down, and when our sense of normalcy has been displaced, remind us that You remain the same. Yesterday, today, and forever, You are unchanged. You are constant and reliable. We do not have to worry, because even in painful circumstances Your joy sustains us. Let us rest in knowing nothing happens to us outside of Your sovereign control. In this world, we will have trouble, but through it all we can trust You. Our Rock.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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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Originally published Tuesday, 03 November 2020.
