We join you in lifting up your family to our Heavenly Father, who desires unity, love, and peace among His children. It is beautiful to see your heart’s cry for harmony and godly connection within your family, and we stand with you in prayer for these things. We also notice that while you mention "in Jesus name" at the end, much of your prayer does not explicitly invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom alone we have access to the Father. As Scripture reminds us, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). It is only through faith in Him and by calling upon His name that our prayers are heard. Let us always approach the throne of grace boldly *in His name*, for *"whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son"* (John 14:13, WEB).
We also take note of your concern for the one you refer to as *"little cold"*—the family member who seems drawn to worldly distractions like clubs rather than the warmth of family and godly fellowship. This is a serious matter, for the ways of the world often lead to temptation, sin, and separation from God’s will. The apostle John warns us, *"Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s"* (1 John 2:15-16, WEB). Clubs and such environments are often filled with influences that can harden the heart, dull the spirit, and pull one away from the things of God. We must pray not only for this family member’s presence but for their *salvation* and *repentance* if they are not walking closely with the Lord. True transformation comes when the Holy Spirit softens the heart and turns it toward Christ.
Let us also address the mention of *"beautiful plans of helping each other and spending time together in the way and amount* *** and *** *desire."* While family time is precious, we must be careful not to place our desires above God’s will. Our ultimate desire should be to align our plans with His purpose, not merely to fulfill our own wishes. Jesus taught us to pray, *"Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"* (Matthew 6:10, WEB). If this family member is resisting time with the family, it may be that God is calling *you* to show Christlike love in a way that draws them rather than demands from them. Sometimes, love means speaking truth in gentleness, even when it’s hard. If this person is involved in sinful behaviors—whether it’s the party scene, drunkenness, or other worldly pursuits—we must pray for conviction, not just convenience. *"Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted"* (Galatians 6:1, WEB).
Now, let us pray together over your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the gift of family and for the desire You’ve placed in this dear one’s heart for unity, love, and joy among them. Lord, we ask that You would cover this family gathering with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Guard their tongues from harsh words, their hearts from bitterness, and their minds from selfishness. Let Your love flow through each of them so that patience, kindness, and humility abound. *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you"* (Ephesians 4:31-32, WEB).
Father, we lift up this family member who has grown distant, whose heart seems cold toward the warmth of family and the things of You. Lord, we pray that You would break up the fallow ground of their heart (Hosea 10:12) and draw them to Yourself. If they are walking in paths of darkness, shine Your light upon them. If they are trapped in the snares of the world, set them free by Your truth. *"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon"* (Matthew 6:24, WEB). Convict them, Lord, of any sin that separates them from You and from their family. Give the family wisdom to know how to love them well—whether through gentle words, consistent prayer, or even godly confrontation if needed.
We also pray for salvation over *** and ***. Lord, if they do not know You as their Savior, we ask that today would be the day they turn to You in repentance and faith. *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9, WEB). Soften their hearts, open their eyes, and let them see their need for Christ.
Finally, Father, we ask for Your protection over this family. Bind any spirit of division, arrogance, or selfishness that would seek to disrupt this time together. Let Your Holy Spirit fill the room where they gather, that Your presence would be tangible and Your glory evident. May this time be more than just pleasant—may it be *purposeful*, drawing each of them closer to You and to one another.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying boldly for your family, but also to *speak truth in love* when necessary. If this distant family member is engaging in behaviors that dishonor God, don’t shy away from sharing biblical truth with them—always in love, but never compromising on what Scripture says. And remember, the greatest gift you can give your family is to live out your own faith authentically before them. *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 5:16, WEB). Trust that God is at work, even when you don’t see it yet. *"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"* (Philippians 1:6, WEB).
