O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on
the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls
that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your
purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your
heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Begin each day with a powerful morning prayer session with your family. Reciting these words and identifying our schedules early on, will provide a great deal of perspective for you and your family. Entrust each individual to God. Wherever they are in their relationship with God, pray that He draws them even closer. Think of morning prayer as exercise for each member's spirit and soul. Working out these elements will help everyone plan for what is to come and better equip them with the tools to take on the new day. Start your day off with this prayer for family:
Dear God, thank you for the gift of family and friends. Holding them in my heart is one of the most precious things I can never get tired of. Bless everyone, for they deserve all goodness You have given to me. If I may do something wrong today, please forgive me. Amen.
God of love and mercy,
embrace all those
whose hearts today
overflow with grief,
unanswered questions
and such a sense of loss.
Grant them space
to express their tears.
Hold them close
through the coming days.
For all those who woke this morning
to the loneliness of bereavement -
the empty bed or chair,
an unaccustomed quietness,
a life now incomplete -
may they know your presence
in the stillness of the day,
and through the love of friends
who offer their condolence.
And in the darker moments
may they reach out to hold your hand
and feel the warmth of the One
who has already passed from death to life
to welcome others into God's Kingdom.
Dear Lord,
I ask for protection over my spouse, my children, and myself today. Lead us with Your mighty hands today. Deliver us from any enemy that tries to harm us. We know that You are for us, so that no one could ever stop us. (Ref. Romans 8:31) Please guide us all safely throughout this day, so that we may all arrive safely back home, Father. You are Great, Powerful, Strong, Mighty, Awe-inspiring, Amazing and AWESOME! Be with us all this day. I love you, Father! Amen
Merciful Father,
You have been so patient with my own brother. He says he believes in You, but his actions still say differently. He has not surrendered everything to You, Lord. Lord I pray that he would sincerely seek You with his entire being! I praise Your Name because You have allowed him to live another day in hope that he will return to You. Father, I pray that You do everything necessary to bring him back. If he must lose his job, so be it. If he must go through health issues to find You, so be it. Father, whatever it takes, please bring him to You. Better to suffer immensely in this world to find You, then to suffer eternally in hell without You. Father, I cannot imagine heaven without any of my family. I love them all so dearly! Please, Lord, bring your long, lost son home! Bring a revival in his heart! I love You! Amen
Father,
I have an awesome family of believers to call my brothers and sisters! I thank you for them all. Through our unity we are strong through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Father, I pray that as the Day does draw near we continue to shine the light of Jesus to this hurting world, even to each other. Lord, sometimes it hurts more when a fellow brother/sister hurts me. Lord, give me compassion to forgive them as I should. Sin is to blame, end of story. Not one member of Your church is faultless, Father. I love my church family dearly! I also pray that You would soften the hearts of any that may have callouses starting. Father, rip those callouses away layer by layer. We all need to let go and let You be in control. Father, bless my fellow brothers and sisters this day! May it be a day of rejoicing in You through every single thing that we experience! I love You! Amen
Loving Lord,
The passing of my mother last night is grieving me. Lord, how do I tell my children that their grammy is in Heaven? I can shower them with love and affection immensely, but I cannot take the pain away from their tears. I need You now more than ever, Father. I keep thinking about how grieved Your own heart must have been when You watched Your own Son shed His blood on the cross for us all. Father, I am so sorry that my sin helped drive those nails into His hands and feet. Lord, I ask that You give me the words to speak as I deliver this news to my babies. I know that my mother is in Heaven and that makes me so hopeful, but the pain is still here. I pray that You would wrap Your arms around me, Lord. I need Your affection so badly right now. Give me “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7a) Prepare the hearts and minds of my little ones, Lord. This will be one of the toughest days of my life. May Your Name be glorified this day. I love You! Amen