Guided Prayer

Family Problems

One · Pause

Be still for a moment. Breathe in slowly, and out slowly — three times. There is no hurry here, and no one is watching.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10 · KJV

Two · Check in

What is the current strain in your family, and what is your role in it?

Three · Scripture · King James Version

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:13–14 · KJV

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15 · KJV

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalm 133:1 · KJV

Four · Reflection

You cannot choose for your whole family, but you can choose for yourself: 'as for me and my house.' Unity is good, and it is often built slowly by one person choosing charity first.

Five · Pray this

Lord, my family is hurting. Put charity over us as the bond of perfectness. Where I can be a peacemaker, make me one. Where I must wait, give me patience and wisdom. In Jesus' name, amen.

Six · Now in your own words

Name each family member to God and ask for one thing for them.

Seven · Private journal

What I can control here, what I cannot, and what I am asking God for.

Eight · One practical step

Take one step toward peace that does not require their permission.

Before you go

You can honor your family and still protect your peace.