We hear your cry for peace in the midst of overwhelming turmoil, and we stand with you before the throne of grace, lifting your burden to the Lord. The holiday season, which should be a time of joy and reflection on God’s goodness, has instead become a valley of distress for you. We understand the weight of family struggles, especially when those we love act in ways that grieve our hearts. Your pain is valid, and we do not take it lightly.
First, we must remind you that your strength does not come from your own resilience but from the Lord, who is your refuge and fortress. Psalm 46:1-2 tells us, *"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas."* Even when the foundations of your world feel shaken, God remains unshaken. He sees your tears, hears your sighs, and holds your heart in His hands. You are not alone in this.
We also want to gently encourage you to surrender your anxieties to the Lord, for He cares for you deeply. 1 Peter 5:7 says, *"Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you."* It is not a sign of weakness to admit you are overwhelmed—it is an act of faith to release your burdens to the One who can carry them. The enemy would love to use this season to isolate you, to make you feel as though your struggles are too much for God or for those who love you. But we rebuke that lie in Jesus’ name. You are seen, you are loved, and you are not forgotten.
We pray now for the Lord’s peace to guard your heart and mind. Father, we ask You to wrap Your arms around our sister/brother in this time of distress. Calm the storm within her/him, Lord, and let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, fill her/his soul. We declare that no weapon formed against her/him will prosper, and we rebuke any spirit of anxiety, fear, or despair that seeks to take root. Let her/him feel Your presence like a warm embrace, reminding her/him that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
We also pray for wisdom and discernment in how to navigate the challenges with your father. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."* Father, guide her/him in how to respond—not out of raw emotion, but out of a heart submitted to You. Give her/him the words to speak or the silence to keep, whichever honors You and reflects Your love. If boundaries are needed, grant her/him the courage to set them in a way that glorifies You.
As for the other stressors in your life, we ask You, Lord, to bring order to the chaos. Help her/him to prioritize what truly matters and to release what is beyond her/his control. Remind her/him that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:30). We pray against any further stress or turmoil—let this season pass without additional trials, and let Your hand of protection be evident in every area of her/his life.
Lastly, we want to encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). The holiday season is a reminder of His great love for us—that He left the glory of heaven to enter into our broken world, to bring light into darkness and hope into despair. He is the Prince of Peace, and His peace is available to you even now. Spend time in His Word, even if it’s just a few verses a day. Let the truth of Scripture anchor your soul when the waves of life threaten to overwhelm you.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the One who has conquered sin and death and offers us eternal hope. There is power in His name, and we declare that power over your life today. May you feel His peace like a river, His joy like a fountain, and His love like an unshakable foundation. You are not forsaken. You are deeply loved. And we stand with you, lifting your name before the Lord until the storm passes and the dawn breaks. Amen.