A Prayer for Peace amid Family Tensions during the Holidays
By Rachel Wojo
Bible Reading
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Listen or Read Below
The holidays can be a wonderful time of gathering with family, but they can also bring up unresolved tensions, disagreements, and misunderstandings. Instead of peace and joy, we sometimes find ourselves navigating tricky conversations or trying to avoid conflict altogether. Family dynamics can stir up old wounds, and what's supposed to be a season of celebration can quickly become a season of stress. Like many of you, I've experienced this firsthand. There have been times when I've hoped for everything to go smoothly, only to find tensions rising and peace seeming far away. It can be so disheartening when the very people we love the most are the ones we struggle with the most during the holidays. We long for connection, but instead, we feel conflict.
Jesus knew this kind of tension well. In John 16:33, He said: "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus didn't promise us a life without conflict, but He did promise us peace in the middle of it. This peace isn't the absence of disagreements or differences but a deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing He is in control. Even when family dynamics are messy, God offers us His peace. It's the kind of peace that lets us let go of the need to fix everything or everyone and trust Him with the outcome. If you're facing family tensions this holiday season, I want to encourage you to ask God for His peace. It's not always easy to keep the peace. Still, with God's help, we can be peacemakers in our homes, offering grace and forgiveness, even when difficult. Remember, you can invite God's peace into your family dynamics.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father,
We come to You today, recognizing that family gatherings can sometimes be a source of tension. We ask for Your peace to fill our hearts and homes this holiday season. Please help us navigate difficult conversations with grace and patience. Give us the wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. Lord, we ask that You heal any broken relationships in our families. Where there is hurt or misunderstanding, let Your love bring reconciliation. And when peace feels impossible, remind us that You are the God of peace, and You are in control. Thank You for being our source of peace, even when things feel strained. We trust You to work in our families and bring restoration where needed.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Thank you for joining me today. I pray that this episode encourages you to lean on God's peace, even when family tensions arise during the holidays. Remember, God is the ultimate peacemaker and can bring calm to even the most difficult situations. If you want more guidance on deepening your prayer life in tough times, I invite you to check out my new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. You'll find real-life stories, prayers, and practical ways to connect with God when you need Him most. You can learn more at desperateprayers.com. Until next time, remember that God sees you, hears you, and knows your needs.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
