05/07/2026
At today's National Day of Prayer event, I was tasked with praying for families. Here is my prayer:
Good and Holy God,
Throughout scripture, we see the stories of so many families, so many people who experienced your faithfulness and goodness. We also see in these families real life. Their lives were messy and complicated- just like ours. We remember heroes of the faith who longed for children, worried about their children, people who didn’t know what to do, who made mistakes, and who turned to you. In their stories, we see ourselves and our neighbors.
We remember families like Adam and Eve’s that are torn apart by sin and violence. We remember that you are the God of grace and forgiveness, and we ask for your healing and a vision for the future.
God, we remember people like Hannah who ache for a family. We believe that you are a God of blessing and we ask that you give comfort and kindness to those who experience infertility, miscarriage, and loss.
Today, God, we remember single parents like Hagar and the Widow at Zarephath who struggle and scrap to provide for their children. We remember that you are the God who sees, and we ask for your provision for these people.
Loving God, we remember families like King David’s- families in which rivalry and struggles for power lead to dissention and division. We know that you call us to humility and servanthood. Help us to remember that the greatest among us is those who serve others.
We remember families like Ruth and Naomi’s who were immigrants in their land- forced to leave due to famine and death. We also remember Jesus, Mary, and Joseph who were refugees in Egypt after the evil violence inflicted upon their community by the king. We believe that you build strong bonds, and we remember that you can make home and family wherever there are open hearts. Draw people together to form family where there is none.
Suffering Christ, we remember how you appointed John to care for your mother. We give thanks for those who create new families and care for those who are so often forgotten or left behind.
Holy One, we are reminded that there are no perfect people and no perfect families. There are only real people who are doing their best and who are grateful for your grace and goodness. We ask God that you will help us to remember that you are parent to us all. From you every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. Teach us, therefore, to see past the arbitrary and sinful division in this country and in this world.
Help us to remember that we are all family; there is no such thing as other people’s children. Every child is my child; every person is my sibling. In your love, draw us together. Make us as compassionate, welcoming, and loving as you have been to us. All of this I ask in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
