A Prayer for Family
By Emma Danzey
1 Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
God has entrusted each one of us with different family members. Whether biologically or through adoption, the Lord has strategically placed each one of us where we are for a reason. This calling in 1 Timothy 5:8 is to be taken seriously. In Chapter 5, Timothy is discussing the importance of caring for the widows, elders, and servants. In the midst of his instructions, he finds it valuable to pause and share that those who do not take care of their relatives, especially those in their home have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers. Why would God speak so harshly about this?
Think about the brokenness in homes and the poor effects on the children. Ponder the suffering elderly relative who no one checks on or cares for. Remember the priorities that the Lord has placed on serving Him first, then spouses, then children, etc. There is a clear direction from God that we can do all the “ministry” in the world, but if we neglect to minister to our own family, the other is in vain. We see an example of this in 1 Timothy 3, when the Lord addresses the qualifications for an elder in the church. Managing his household is one of the requirements. Today, we are going to pray over our families, knowing that God has given specific ministries to us in being part of their lives.
Let's Pray:
Our Father,
Thank you so much for intentionally placing me within the family that I am in. Even though every family comes with challenges, You have entrusted these loved ones to me. I pray that You would help me to love them like You. Guide me in Your wisdom how to best prioritize them and their spiritual care. Help me to pray for them daily, reach out to them, and love them in the season that they are in.
It is not always easy for me to love those closest to me because I experience their sin so often, and I see their worst days. Would You give me the strength to be a light to them? Please help me to be strong in You to love them well. God, would you bless me with extra compassion and gentleness as I walk through life with family? Help me to be a true minister of Your love to them even when they do not deserve it.
Lord, some families are unhealthy, I pray for any boundaries that need to be set out of protection and love to be made. You call us to love but not to endanger ourselves. Give wisdom to those who have been greatly abused or hurt by their family members. Help them not to walk in shame but to walk in Your victory. Give them wisdom on how to love well with healthy boundaries. For those who have experienced broken families, mend what is shattered. Heal the hurts, give them grace, show them Your great mercy.
I pray for spouses who need to reset their priorities. Help me and others to know how to best put You first and then our spouses second. Help us to refine and reveal a greater depth of who You are to them. I pray for parents to know how to love and protect their children well. Give us wisdom on how to disciple them. Help us to share the gospel daily through our words and actions. Lead us as we lead them. Help us to walk in humility when we make mistakes.
I pray for those with aging relatives. Help us to love them well, reach out to them often, and show great care for them. Give us the joy to listen and learn from their many years. Guide us to show honor and value to them. Lead us in the best ways of caring for their daily needs.
Lord, help us not to be hypocrites but to live out this truth. Help us to value our families well and to show Your love to them in the ways that You call us to. Unite us in You. Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
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