Some of the most complicated relationships in our lives can be with the members of our very own family. We may be related by blood, but there are days when it seems like we are from different planets. Most people don’t like tension, but no matter how hard you try, conflict will inevitably find its way into your life and family. Below are a few verses and prayers to help you find strength in the Lord when it feels like your family is falling apart.
1. 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
Heavenly Father, sometimes my family gets on my nerves. I feel like I do everything I can to get along with them, but there are days when nothing seems to help. I pray that you will empower me to let go of the hurt my family has caused me. Show me how to forgive them the way you have forgiven me through Jesus Christ. Help me set healthy boundaries with them and show them your love today.
2. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. – James 1:19 NLT
Lord, I know listening is critical, but sometimes it is hard. Sometimes I feel like the only way to be heard in my family is to shout! I pray that you will help me as I talk to my family today to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Soften all our hearts so we can hear each other and hear from you about what we should do and how you want us to move forward. May we work through what is between us so we can enjoy the kind of relationship you like us to have.
3. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. – 1 Peter 5:7 NLT
Father, I am so thankful you care about what happens to me. The world is so big, and there’s so much going on right now, but you still see me and love. Today, I want to take the worries and cares about my family off my back and lay them at your feet. Mend the wounds of our hearts and draw us closer to you and each other. May we have the same care you have for us for each other.
4. A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. – Proverbs 15:1 NLT
God, I don’t want to be the person who loses their temper when things go wrong. I want to respond in a loving way that is honoring to you. As I talk to my family, please help me be gentle in my words and how I react to them. Fill me with the gentleness of your spirit. Show me the best way to respond at the moment when things get heated. Help me to know what words and actions will best extinguish the flames of anger in our family.
5. "So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” – Matthew 5:23-24 NLT
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you are ready and able to forgive me of my sins. I know how imperfect I can be. I know the only person I can control is myself. I pray that you will show me if there is anything on my end that I need to make right with my family. Help me own my part of the problems between us and guide me to take steps that will allow us to reconcile so we can grow closer to you and each other.
6. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. – Psalm 27:10 NLT
Lord, I thank you that you are always close by. You promise so many times in your word that you will never leave me or forsake me. Sometimes my family hasn’t been there for me like I needed them. So when I feel all alone, please fill me with more of your presence and love. Remind me that you are always there for me no matter what’s going on with my family. I can get through anything because you are right by my side and will never abandon me.
7. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18 NLT
God, I want to have a peaceful family. I want us to have a better relationship with you and each other. I ask that you help me do all I can to live in peace with everyone in my family today. When I am tempted to lash out, I pray that you will fill me with your love. May I respond to any unkind words and actions with respect. Whatever my family chooses to do, help me take the high road so they can see you in me today.
8. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. – Romans 12:10 NLT
Heavenly Father, I love my family, but there are days when I don’t like them very much. In those moments when my family is less-than-loveable, may you help me to see them the way you see them. Remind me of the good things about each person in my family and help me to encourage them in those things. Show me how I can honor you by honoring them in our interactions. May our love for you and each other grow deeper today.
