What God Says About Unity Within Family
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 in cultivating closeness and togetherness within families can be quite a challenge. We want to encourage you that unity within your family is possible. Here are eight prayers rooted in Scripture 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 help me continually work toward 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, 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. We have different personalities and different interests. I don't want to let these things divide us. 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, help me to sympathize with my family members. Sometimes it’s hard to extend grace to them. Holy Spirit, soften my heart and help me to be understanding towards my family. Help me remain tender-hearted toward them as You lead me to walk humbly. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT
Lord, I am aware that without Your unending love, I cannot pursue or walk in unity with anyone. Help me to show my family the same love and patience that You show me every day. Remind me, Holy Spirit, to put away pride and disrespect toward my family, and instead elevate them and honor them. 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 don’t let me hold the shortcomings of my family members against them. Help me to intentionally forgive people who have wronged me and to stop holding grudges. Remind me to forgive them freely as I have received forgiveness from You freely. In the merciful 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 toward peace. Please empower me to pursue harmony with each of my family members. Holy Spirit, give me the ability to maintain that peace with them through difficulties. 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, there is blessing in having good relationships with those around me. When we are gathered together to pursue peace and unity, sharing in the power of Your forgiveness with one another, help us to remember You are active in our midst. Lord, please help us 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. 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, when life gets hard help us to not lose hope. Holy Spirit, remind me to be sensitive to what others may be going through. Guide me as I seek to encourage and love my family even when they are facing difficulties. Give me wisdom in how to cultivate closeness with them. I pray all these things in the most powerful name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Related Resource: 8 Prayers During Family Conflict
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