Sample prayer

Gracious Father, Your Word tells us to consider the needs of others before our own (Philippians 2:3-4). Jesus modelled this “other-centred” approach to life fully. Everywhere He went, His concern was for others, not Himself. He negotiated difficult situations with tact and wisdom, He reached out to those in need with compassion, He guided those who were lost with gentleness and corrected those caught in sin without condemnation. People spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips (Luke 4:22).

My desire is to see my life characterized by the grace and humility of Jesus. I confess that when I’m upset I can overreact and speak without thinking. At times when I’m exhausted or when I’m exasperated, I tend to be thoughtless in the way I correct others. There are times I’m impatient and insensitive as well. Lord Jesus, I do want to be more like You in my interactions with others. In order to make this a reality, I really do need Your Spirit in me.

Kids can be unintentionally inconsiderate of others. Despite their youth, please bless our children, ____________ and ____________, with an ability to be mindful of how their words and actions affect other people and give ____________ and ____________ godly insight into the feelings, hurts and cares and also the joys of others.

My prayer is that my children would honour others before themselves and display a brotherly or sisterly love for them, genuinely rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:10,15). Please gift ____________ and ____________  with Your wisdom from heaven so they grow up to be pure, peace-loving, submissive, full of mercy, impartial and sincere, and considerate of others in a way that exceeds expectations for children their age (James 3:17, 1 Timothy 4:12).

In heated or touchy situations, please help ____________ and ____________ to remember that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). May ____________ and ____________ speak politely, with consideration and respect, showing others that they have Your love in their heart (Romans 12:10, 1 Corinthians 13:5). I pray that ____________ and ____________ would be prudent and tactful, keeping their ideas to themselves rather than blurting foolishness out inappropriately (Proverbs 12:23). As ____________ and ____________ interact with others, may their goal be to live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on them (Romans 12:16-18).

Lord, as a family, we want to honour You in all we do and say. Please keep us from becoming so consumed with our own comfort and our own problems that we forget to be concerned about the needs of others. Give us Your love for people and let us be sincerely interested in their well-being. We want others to know that the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience demonstrated by those in our family comes from You (Colossians 3:12). Amen.

Scripture-guided prayer for parents

Read and pray through one or more of the selected Scriptures under each heading. Focus on listening to God and allowing His Spirit to direct you as you pray.

Character focus

Begin by thanking God for being a God of unlimited love who cares for us deeply.

Psalm 8:3-9 | Psalm 85:10-11 | Isaiah 44:21-22 | Luke 1:46-49 | Hebrews 2:6

Heart search

Acknowledge times when you are prone to be inconsiderate of others or lacking in sensitivity.

Proverbs 10:19 | Ecclesiastes 10:12 | 1 Corinthians 10:24 | Philippians 2:3-4 | 2 Timothy 2:23

Gratitude

Thank God for ways you have seen your family members be considerate.

Family requests

Ask God to help you and your children to have Christ-like love and concern for others.

Psalm 141:3 | Romans 12:9-10 | 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 | 2 Corinthians 13:11 | James 3:17