Fast, Pray, Loveনমুনা

Pray to Engage My Family

Read Colossians 3:17-21.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Meditate On It

1. What does Paul first instruct families to do in verse 17?

• Colossians 3:17: Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

2. What are the instructions to:

a) wives
b) husbands
c) children
d) fathers/parents

3. In what ways does Paul encourage family members to engage with one another?

• Read Colossians 3:12-16: So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdomteaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Apply It

The last but not the least core value of this fasting devotional is to engage the family. Why is this so crucial? God has saved us by His grace and desires to save our family and loved ones. The person whom God has appointed to represent Himself in your family is none other than yourself. Whether you are a parent, child, sibling, relative, or family friend, God called you to point them to Jesus by your love, concern, and prayers for each one.

1. Have I thanked God for my family, no matter how imperfect they may be? Ask God to give you a heart of love, compassion, patience, and understanding towards your family members.
2. Is there anyone in your family God is nudging you to reach out to? Take time to pray for that person so that God can pave the way for you to be reunited, reconciled, and restored with them. By faith, I will pray for an opportunity to engage with (mention each person by name):
3. This coming week, I will text or call this person and let them know that I care for them.

• Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, Time-bound (SMART) commitments
• Example: “I will engage with my son, daughter, nephew, and niece by spending quality time with them, doing their favorite bonding activity next weekend.”

Pray It

• Ask God to use you as a channel of His love to your relatives and family members:
  • To be a Christ-like family member, spouse, parent, child, etc.
  • To shepherd our families and our homes in the ways of the Lord.
  • To be filled with the Holy Spirit to exhibit the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
  • To glorify and praise God in all things, even though the often challenging relationships in our families.
• Let us confess our tendency to take our families for granted, to ignore conflicts or relational tensions, and our unforgiveness towards those who have hurt us, especially in our families.
• Take the opportunity to pray with your family: encourage and appreciate each other’s good qualities and actions. Take time to ask one another: “how can I improve?” then pray for each other.