Sample prayer

Lord of All, as the God of love, You call us to live and work with others in unity. When Jesus prayed for all believers He asked that we would be one as He and You are one. He asked that we would be brought to complete unity to let the world know You sent Him and have loved everyone even as You loved Him. Your plan is that the love You have for Jesus would be in us and that Jesus Himself would live in us to show others what Your love looks like (John 17:20-26). Your wisdom that comes from heaven is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17). What an amazing recipe for living in caring community!

Sadly, I admit that my own impure motives and selfish desires have many times destroyed the unity in our family. Instead of working cooperatively with others, I have insisted on having things done my way. Rather than being merciful, I have been quick to judge or accuse. At times I have been unfairly biased, and in other instances I have been inconsiderate. Please forgive me and put Your Holy Spirit in me so I can have a selfless and submissive spirit.

For my children, ________ and ________, I ask You to give them a willingness to be cooperative. In order to earn a God-honouring grade in the “plays well with others” area of life, they need to learn to put the wishes of others ahead of their own. If ________ and ________ are tempted to be uncooperative because of a selfish agenda, please remind them that if they choose the way of peace, You will raise a harvest of righteousness around them (James 3:18). Please help them to see cooperation positively – as a way to live at peace with others, rather than as a limitation on their own wishes. I also pray that You would give my children an understanding of the importance of submitting to You and to other authorities.

On behalf of our family, I invite Your Holy Spirit to inspire us to submit to one another out of reverence for You (Ephesians 5:21). In those situations where we impulsively hang on to control, inspire us to defer our own wishes to show that we love You more than we love having things our own way. Please help us take advantage of the ample opportunities we have each day to build a team attitude within our family unit. We commit our way to You and trust that You will make our righteousness shine like the dawn. We need You, the God who gives endurance and encouragement, to give us a spirit of unity in our home so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify You (Psalm 37:5-6, Romans 15:5-6). 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 love and unity.

2 Chronicles 30:12 | John 17:20-26 | Ephesians 5:1-2 | 1 John 4:7-12 | 1 John 4:13-16

Heart search

Acknowledge where you lack unity in your relationships due to an unwillingness to be submissive.

2 Chronicles 30:8-9 | 1 Corinthians 1:10 | 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 | Galatians 5:19-21 | Philippians 2:3

Gratitude

Thank God for the cooperative efforts you have witnessed in your family.

Family requests

Ask God to help you and your children live and work in cooperation with others.

Romans 15:5-6 | 2 Corinthians 13:11 | Ephesians 4:2-3 | Philippians 2:1-2 | Colossians 3:14-15