Please pray for reconciliation and peace for a family in the public eye who are now fighting amongst themselves. Please also pray about concerning behavior from one family member specifically that I have noticed (although everyone involved in the situation is doing wrong things) who really seems to be being very mean-spirited in the situation. This family are all professing believers I think but it's clear there is confusion in what they believe about Christian faith. Thank you.
Family
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We join you in lifting up this family before the throne of grace and we thank you for carrying this burden to the Lord in prayer rather than joining in gossip or speculation, which is so easy to do when a family is in the public eye.
We pray together for reconciliation and peace among them. Jesus said Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God Matthew 5:9, and we know that strife and division grieve the Holy Spirit and damage the witness of those who profess to follow Christ. We also remember the call in Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men, and in Colossians 3:13-14 to bear with one another, and forgive each other, even as Christ forgave you, and above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
We want to gently address what you have observed as well. You noted that everyone involved is doing wrong things and that one member in particular seems very mean-spirited. Scripture is clear that this kind of behavior has no place among believers. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:31-32. A mean spirit, harsh words, and a desire to hurt one another, especially within a family, are sin and need to be repented of, not excused because others are also acting wrongly. Each person will give account to God for their own words and actions, and we pray that each member of this family would take responsibility, humble themselves, and seek forgiveness from God and from one another.
You also mentioned that they are professing believers but there is confusion about what they believe concerning the Christian faith. This is a serious concern, for a house divided against itself will not stand, and confusion about the gospel leads to confusion in living. True faith is not merely saying we believe, but being transformed by the truth of God's Word, which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16. We pray that they would be rooted in sound doctrine, that they would seek wise and biblically grounded counsel, and that they would pursue the wisdom that comes from above, which is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits James 3:17.
We also want to lovingly point out that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you and anyone reading that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6, and there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. It is because of His shed blood and resurrection that we can boldly bring these requests to God, and we want to ensure that this family and all who pray for them are trusting in Christ alone for salvation and not merely in a profession of faith or a cultural Christianity.
So we pray together now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, and we lift up this family to You. You know them by name, You see the hurt, the pride, the anger, and the confusion that has led to this fighting, and You see the pressure that comes from living in the public eye. We ask that You would convict each heart of sin, bring them to genuine repentance, and soften what has become hard and mean-spirited. Replace bitterness with kindness, wrath with gentleness, and division with a love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 1 Corinthians 13:7. We ask that You would grant them godly sorrow that leads to repentance, that You would teach them Your Word clearly so that confusion is replaced with truth, and that You would restore peace and unity in this family for Your glory. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven them and to be reconciled to one another in a way that honors You and testifies to a watching world that You are a God of reconciliation. We also pray for the one who submitted this request, that You would guard their heart from judgment and help them to continue to intercede with love and discernment. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and only hope, amen.
We pray together for reconciliation and peace among them. Jesus said Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God Matthew 5:9, and we know that strife and division grieve the Holy Spirit and damage the witness of those who profess to follow Christ. We also remember the call in Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men, and in Colossians 3:13-14 to bear with one another, and forgive each other, even as Christ forgave you, and above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
We want to gently address what you have observed as well. You noted that everyone involved is doing wrong things and that one member in particular seems very mean-spirited. Scripture is clear that this kind of behavior has no place among believers. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:31-32. A mean spirit, harsh words, and a desire to hurt one another, especially within a family, are sin and need to be repented of, not excused because others are also acting wrongly. Each person will give account to God for their own words and actions, and we pray that each member of this family would take responsibility, humble themselves, and seek forgiveness from God and from one another.
You also mentioned that they are professing believers but there is confusion about what they believe concerning the Christian faith. This is a serious concern, for a house divided against itself will not stand, and confusion about the gospel leads to confusion in living. True faith is not merely saying we believe, but being transformed by the truth of God's Word, which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16. We pray that they would be rooted in sound doctrine, that they would seek wise and biblically grounded counsel, and that they would pursue the wisdom that comes from above, which is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits James 3:17.
We also want to lovingly point out that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you and anyone reading that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6, and there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. It is because of His shed blood and resurrection that we can boldly bring these requests to God, and we want to ensure that this family and all who pray for them are trusting in Christ alone for salvation and not merely in a profession of faith or a cultural Christianity.
So we pray together now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, and we lift up this family to You. You know them by name, You see the hurt, the pride, the anger, and the confusion that has led to this fighting, and You see the pressure that comes from living in the public eye. We ask that You would convict each heart of sin, bring them to genuine repentance, and soften what has become hard and mean-spirited. Replace bitterness with kindness, wrath with gentleness, and division with a love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 1 Corinthians 13:7. We ask that You would grant them godly sorrow that leads to repentance, that You would teach them Your Word clearly so that confusion is replaced with truth, and that You would restore peace and unity in this family for Your glory. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven them and to be reconciled to one another in a way that honors You and testifies to a watching world that You are a God of reconciliation. We also pray for the one who submitted this request, that You would guard their heart from judgment and help them to continue to intercede with love and discernment. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and only hope, amen.
We noticed the care in your request. It is hard to watch a family wound each other in public, and even harder when they profess faith but seem confused about what following Jesus actually means. It makes sense you would feel especially burdened by the sharp, mean-spirited tone you have seen from one member, even as you can see everyone is handling this poorly.
It has helped us to remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing. One person can decide in their own heart to let go of resentment, but for a relationship to be truly repaired both people have to be willing to do the steady work of rebuilding trust and love together. That kind of restoration cannot be rushed or forced from the outside, and it is even harder when everything is playing out for an audience. It usually needs quiet and honesty away from the spotlight.
One way we are joining you is to pray for each person in the family individually for healing and for clearer understanding of God's will, rather than following every update or commentary about them. Stepping back from the coverage a bit can keep your prayers more peaceful and less tangled in taking sides. Thank you for choosing to intercede instead of just observing.
Father, we bring this family before You. Where there is strife we ask for Your peace, where there is harshness we ask for softened hearts, and where there is confusion we ask for clarity in Your truth. Surround them with wise, godly counsel and give them willingness to listen. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen.
It has helped us to remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing. One person can decide in their own heart to let go of resentment, but for a relationship to be truly repaired both people have to be willing to do the steady work of rebuilding trust and love together. That kind of restoration cannot be rushed or forced from the outside, and it is even harder when everything is playing out for an audience. It usually needs quiet and honesty away from the spotlight.
One way we are joining you is to pray for each person in the family individually for healing and for clearer understanding of God's will, rather than following every update or commentary about them. Stepping back from the coverage a bit can keep your prayers more peaceful and less tangled in taking sides. Thank you for choosing to intercede instead of just observing.
Father, we bring this family before You. Where there is strife we ask for Your peace, where there is harshness we ask for softened hearts, and where there is confusion we ask for clarity in Your truth. Surround them with wise, godly counsel and give them willingness to listen. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.
EnricoLange
Beloved of All
Lord Jesus please richly bless, protect and guide them. Please help them in accordance with your perfect will Father. Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
Praying in Jesus Name.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your prayer has been brought before the Lord and it is good that you have carried this family to the throne of grace rather than to the seat of judgment.
We will join you in asking the Lord to show His mercy in their strife. There is a peace which this world cannot give and cannot take away, a perfect peace which is kept for those whose minds are stayed upon God because they trust in Him. It is not found in public vindication or in winning the argument, but in the blood of Jesus which whispers peace within. We will pray that each heart in this household may be turned to seek that peace first with God, and then with one another, bearing their sorrows with Christ that they may know rest even while duties press and sorrows surge round.
Concerning the unkind and mean spirited behavior you have observed, and the wrongs on every side, we must remember that forgiveness is a divine thing. It is God Himself who says, I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions. There is forgiveness with Him, and that forgiveness is surprising, complete and eternal, purchased not by our repentance but by the blood of His Son, the Just for the unjust that He might bring us to God. Whatever the sin has been, however hard the heart has become, there is forgiveness with God through Jesus Christ alone, and it is to be had now by all who with penitent hearts desire it and trust in Him.
We will pray therefore that the Lord will uncover to each member of this family their own need of this great forgiveness, that they may not perish by neglecting it. May He grant them to see the greatness of their sin and the far greater greatness of that forgiveness which blots out the debt entirely, so that they may then forgive one another even as Christ has forgiven them. For it is a joint work of grace, a mutual forgiveness becoming those who have been so freely forgiven, to overcome evil with good and to seek no victory but that of love and patience.
We will ask the Lord also to dispel confusion about the faith. There is but one way of salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and one pattern for life set forth in His Word. May He lead this family out of confusion into the certainty of His Word, that they may believe with true faith in the forgiveness of sins and walk in the light of it, and may He keep you in that calm which is called the peace of God which passeth all understanding as you continue to intercede for them.
We will join you in asking the Lord to show His mercy in their strife. There is a peace which this world cannot give and cannot take away, a perfect peace which is kept for those whose minds are stayed upon God because they trust in Him. It is not found in public vindication or in winning the argument, but in the blood of Jesus which whispers peace within. We will pray that each heart in this household may be turned to seek that peace first with God, and then with one another, bearing their sorrows with Christ that they may know rest even while duties press and sorrows surge round.
Concerning the unkind and mean spirited behavior you have observed, and the wrongs on every side, we must remember that forgiveness is a divine thing. It is God Himself who says, I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions. There is forgiveness with Him, and that forgiveness is surprising, complete and eternal, purchased not by our repentance but by the blood of His Son, the Just for the unjust that He might bring us to God. Whatever the sin has been, however hard the heart has become, there is forgiveness with God through Jesus Christ alone, and it is to be had now by all who with penitent hearts desire it and trust in Him.
We will pray therefore that the Lord will uncover to each member of this family their own need of this great forgiveness, that they may not perish by neglecting it. May He grant them to see the greatness of their sin and the far greater greatness of that forgiveness which blots out the debt entirely, so that they may then forgive one another even as Christ has forgiven them. For it is a joint work of grace, a mutual forgiveness becoming those who have been so freely forgiven, to overcome evil with good and to seek no victory but that of love and patience.
We will ask the Lord also to dispel confusion about the faith. There is but one way of salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and one pattern for life set forth in His Word. May He lead this family out of confusion into the certainty of His Word, that they may believe with true faith in the forgiveness of sins and walk in the light of it, and may He keep you in that calm which is called the peace of God which passeth all understanding as you continue to intercede for them.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
We have heard your request and we join you in bringing this family before the Lord in prayer.
We pray first for true peace, not only the quieting of outward fighting but the deeper peace that comes from being reconciled to God. Scripture teaches that we were enemies of God and have been reconciled through the blood of His cross, through Christ Himself. That is the only ground for lasting reconciliation with one another. Where there is confusion about what it means to be a Christian, we pray that God would bring clarity, that each one would come to know salvation through Jesus Christ alone, and would turn from any false hope to trust in Him fully.
We also pray that God would show this family the root of their conflict. Every quarrel has its beginning in something deeper, often in covetousness or envy or vainglory, and especially for those in the public eye the temptation to love the glory that comes from people rather than the glory that comes from God is very strong. We pray that God would help them cut out that root, to despise what is passing and to treasure what is above, and to seek holiness without which no one will see the Lord. As it is written, follow peace with all men and holiness.
We pray for the one whose behavior you have seen as especially mean spirited, and for all the others as well, for all have need of mercy. We do not ask God to overlook wrong or to bless what is contrary to His word, whether in belief or in life, including His design for marriage as a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman and His call to keep sex and living together within that covenant. Instead we ask that God would lead each person to repentance, to remember no evil, to cease from war and fighting, and to become peacemakers who imitate the Son of God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
We pray that God would teach them not to rush into conflict and not to cling to it, but to wait upon Him, to be humble, and to show both freedom from vainglory and nobleness of spirit. True peace is not simply that everyone agrees outwardly, for not every agreement is good, but that hearts are united in truth and love toward Christ.
So we pray: Father, have mercy on this family. Bring them to true faith in Christ, forgive their sins through His cross, heal their division, take away envy and pride, and grant them repentance and a mind to live at peace with You and with one another. Make them to sin no more but to keep the peace You have given, and let their lives show the power of Your gospel. In Jesus name we ask this, trusting that You are not a God of war and fighting, but the God who makes peace through Your Son.
We pray first for true peace, not only the quieting of outward fighting but the deeper peace that comes from being reconciled to God. Scripture teaches that we were enemies of God and have been reconciled through the blood of His cross, through Christ Himself. That is the only ground for lasting reconciliation with one another. Where there is confusion about what it means to be a Christian, we pray that God would bring clarity, that each one would come to know salvation through Jesus Christ alone, and would turn from any false hope to trust in Him fully.
We also pray that God would show this family the root of their conflict. Every quarrel has its beginning in something deeper, often in covetousness or envy or vainglory, and especially for those in the public eye the temptation to love the glory that comes from people rather than the glory that comes from God is very strong. We pray that God would help them cut out that root, to despise what is passing and to treasure what is above, and to seek holiness without which no one will see the Lord. As it is written, follow peace with all men and holiness.
We pray for the one whose behavior you have seen as especially mean spirited, and for all the others as well, for all have need of mercy. We do not ask God to overlook wrong or to bless what is contrary to His word, whether in belief or in life, including His design for marriage as a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman and His call to keep sex and living together within that covenant. Instead we ask that God would lead each person to repentance, to remember no evil, to cease from war and fighting, and to become peacemakers who imitate the Son of God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
We pray that God would teach them not to rush into conflict and not to cling to it, but to wait upon Him, to be humble, and to show both freedom from vainglory and nobleness of spirit. True peace is not simply that everyone agrees outwardly, for not every agreement is good, but that hearts are united in truth and love toward Christ.
So we pray: Father, have mercy on this family. Bring them to true faith in Christ, forgive their sins through His cross, heal their division, take away envy and pride, and grant them repentance and a mind to live at peace with You and with one another. Make them to sin no more but to keep the peace You have given, and let their lives show the power of Your gospel. In Jesus name we ask this, trusting that You are not a God of war and fighting, but the God who makes peace through Your Son.
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