A Prayer of Thanks for Family and Friends
By Alicia Searl
Bible Reading:
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. - Hebrews 12:14
Listen or Read Below:
My dad used to always say, “You only get one dose of family.” While I know he has always meant well with this casual comment, his sincere and sometimes saddened heart made the weight of these words carry a much deeper meaning. Maybe because that comment was usually projected from a heart that, at times, wished things were different. A heart that longed for peace over family trauma or for harmony when certain situations brought discord and division. My dad, being a natural peacemaker, has always held on tightly to hope and loosely to bitterness, choosing to be grateful, no matter what contentions may arise. For that, I am thankful.
However, in light of recent losses, grief has morphed my dad’s “slogan” a bit. Maybe because he understands the brevity of this life and that God brings together family and dear friends for a greater and divine purpose. Now my sweet dad says something along the lines of, “You only get one dose of family, so love them like it’s their last day.” I couldn’t agree more. The way we spend our time with others, especially our family and dear friends, matters deeply to our relational God. Choosing peace, giving thanks in all circumstances, and sharing love is how we honor God in our relationships.
Hebrews 12:14 commands us to make every effort to live in peace with everyone. We must take this command to heart and pray for God to move in our relationships, leading and guiding us to be peacemakers, despite the challenges.
As we gather around our tables this holiday season, it may be easy to get caught up in the moment and react in haste, harbor ill feelings, or succumb to our sorrow. Thankfully, God has a way of meeting us as we strive to cultivate a grateful heart. When we spend quality time with Him, asking for His divine intervention to restore peace and unity in our relationships, something beautiful happens. We begin to let go of the past and soothe our souls by reclaiming the promise of a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11), healing (Psalm 147:3), and restoration (1 John 4:20).
Dear friend, will you join me in softening your heart as you meet and mingle with family and friends this Thanksgiving? Let time be your guide as you truly listen to your precious loved ones with sincerity, practice patience, promote peace, and extend forgiveness where needed. As believers, we are called to love one another in this manner. Even when it’s difficult. If tensions do rise, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. There may be times when we must temper our thoughts or bite our tongue, but in doing so, we make room for God to move in those conversations, rather than giving the enemy a foothold.
Psalm 90:12 calls us to number our days in order to gain a heart of wisdom. It’s a solemn reminder that this life is temporary and transient, and our days on this earth are numbered. The way we spend our time and how we interact with others, especially our family and dearest friends, will either foster or hinder our relationship with our God (Mathew 18:25).
In choosing to be thankful and spending quality time with our loved ones, we honor an infinite God that is not bound by time yet extends to us the gift of eternity. In that eternal kingdom, our relationships will be flawless, peaceful, and in holy unity. Wow! What a vision to behold!
Let's Pray:
Faithful Father, we are so thankful that You give us the gift of family and precious friendships. As a relational God, we know that You command us to cherish and deepen these relationships by nourishing them with love and cultivating peace.
Oh, but we need Your help, wisdom, and guidance. Please help us foster a heart of gratitude this beautiful season that softly calls us to see the many blessings You have so graciously provided. Allow us to show and give thanks to those You have so lovingly placed in our lives with our words, actions, and deeds. Grant us the means to be peacemakers and restore hope and healing to relationships that need Your hand of mercy.
When various waves of emotions arrive, temper our thoughts, calm our hearts, and soothe our souls with Your Word of Truth. We want to live intentionally, honoring You with our time, because our days here on this side of eternity matter and hold a greater purpose. I am so very thankful that one day all will be restored, and I eagerly anticipate the glory that awaits us as we spend eternity with You, in peace, love, and divine unity. Thank you for that hope!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic
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