As humans, we get to choose our friends, but we don’t always get to choose our family. Families can be pulled in different directions by a wide range of factors, including unique personalities, likes and dislikes, and simple day-to-day behaviors. Sometimes being intentional to cultivate closeness and togetherness within families can be quite a challenge. We want to encourage you to believe that unity within your family is possible. Here are 8 scripture-backed prayers to help you pray over your family.
1. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. – Ephesians 4:3 NLT
Lord, pursuing unity is challenging. Even when I love the people in my life, living in peace with everyone requires a lot of effort. Holy Spirit, assist me in developing a sense of closeness with my family and helping me continually work towards peace with them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. – Colossians 3:14 NLT
Dear Lord, I sometimes feel it’s difficult to love without boundaries. God, Your Word says that Your love binds us together, and that is what I desire for my family. We are all flawed human beings who make mistakes. Help me, Holy Spirit, to let Your perfect love freely flow throughout my family. Amen.
3. Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. – 1 Peter 3:8 NLT
Father, the last thing I want to do sometimes is sympathize with my family members. It’s hard to understand why they do the things they do, let alone extend grace to them. Holy Spirit, help me to remain teachable and learn more about each member of my family. Lord, help me to remain tender-hearted towards them and keep a posture of humility. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude – 1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
Lord, I am aware that without Your unending love, I cannot pursue or walk in unity. Help me to show my family such love and patience. Remind me, Holy Spirit, to reject arrogance and disrespect toward my family. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
5. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. – Colossians 3:13 NLT
Lord, I keep holding the shortcomings of my family members against them. Help me, Holy Spirit, to intentionally forgive people who have wronged me and to stop holding grudges against them. Remind me to forgive them freely as I have received forgiveness from You freely. In the name of Jesus, amen.
6. “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 NLT
Father, it’s so simple to become distracted by everyday concerns. According to Your word, You bless people who work towards peace. Please assist me in pursuing harmony with each of my family members. Holy Spirit, give me the ability to maintain that peace with them as well. In Jesus’ powerful name, amen.
7. “For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.” – Matthew 18:20 NLT
Jesus, I can easily forget the advantages of having a good relationship with the people I live with. When we are gathered together to pursue peace and unity, sharing in the power of Your forgiveness with one another, You are active in our midst as our Leader and Peacemaker. Lord, please help me to lovingly confront those in my family to pursue unity for our good and Your glory. In Your name, amen.
8. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT
Lord, life gets hard at times and we all can lose hope. Holy Spirit, remind me to be sensitive to what others may be coming up against. Lord, guide me as I consider how to encourage and love my family even when they are in a valley moment. Please push me to steer them in the right direction and help me to be intentional to cultivate closeness with them. I pray all these things in the most powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
