How can I pray in faith over broken relationships?

Read It

Colossians 3:12-15

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.

Meditate On It

The call of every Christian is to be like Christ, wherever they are at and no matter who is in front of them. Even when we are faced with relational conflict and tension, our aim is to love like Christ and be reconciled to those who we have hurt or have hurt us. On the basis of what Christ has done for us, we should treat others in the same manner, especially those closest to us.

Consider the following questions:
1. List down the specific attitude and actions of what Christ-followers are to cultivate in their approach towards others. What does this look like in your family setting? With your friends, co-workers, and acquaintances?
2. What is the basis for how God’s people are to behave towards one another?
3. Check yourself: What are the Christ-like actions from the passage above you have difficulty in practicing and applying in your life? Why do you think that is?

Apply It

1. What can I thank God for in my family and relationships? Take the time to ask God to give a heart of compassion to reach out, kindness to treat others, humility to improve, gentleness in my approach, and patience towards the people whom God has placed in my life.

2. Is there anyone in my family or friends that I need to forgive and reconcile with? I will pray for that person and ask God for an opportunity to re-engage with them.

3. By faith, I will pray for an opportunity to engage with… (mention each person by name). This coming week, text or call this person and let them know that I care for them.

Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART) commitments.

Example: “I will engage with my child / loved one 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 close relationships, relatives, and family members:
- To be a more Christ-like spouse, parent, child, family member, friend, etc.
- To shepherd our families and friends in the ways of the Lord.
- To be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to exhibit the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- To glorify and praise God in all things, even through the often-challenging relationships in our families or among our close contacts.

• Let us confess our tendency to take our relationships for granted, ignore conflicts or relational tensions, and our unforgiveness towards those who have hurt us, especially in our families.

• Be intentional this week by reaching out and praying with a family member, relative, or friend whom you need to reconcile with.

• Take the opportunity to pray with your family and loved ones: encourage one another and appreciate each other’s good qualities and actions.

• Take time to ask one another: “How can I improve?” then pray for each other.