TODAY’S MEDITATION – How important is prayer for families? (John 17:1-23)

My brother, my sister, prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase “A family that prays together stays together”? It is true: a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them. And most believers of Christ come from families that never had Jesus as their foundation, which makes their walk as a Christian complicated sometimes because they have to fight against family culture, family traditions, etc.
When the Bible says we are no longer to live as if we are of this world, it is also to teach us to live as Christ. How many times did we see Christ praying for people around Him? It is because they were His family. When he is about to leave the earth, He even prayed for you and me because we were already part of His family before we even came into existence in this world (John 17:1-23), especially verses 20-23 that says: ““My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
My friend, a family who has a heart of

our families are not always biblical, we tend to extend that in the family of Christ. I am suggesting that to take time this coming week to pray for your family. Pray to God for protection, provision, unity in your family and for your family in Christ. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.
SIMPLE LINES OF PRAYERS TO HELP YOU IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY IN PRAYER:
Prayer for protection and provision – Father, I thank you for my family. I ask that you bless them with Your favour. Provide for all of their needs. I ask You to protect them from harm and evil. Surround them in the shadow of Your wings. Go before them and prepare the way for them. If any path is crooked, I ask you to make it straight. Protect them from the schemes of the enemy and keep them from deception. Bring Your perfect peace to their hearts. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Prayer for unity – Father, I thank you for blessing me with my family. I ask you to bring us into unity through You. I ask that anything that is hidden in darkness – to cause disunity – will be brought to light. I ask You to lead us into Your perfect truth and help us to be the family You intend us to be. Lord, help us to be a blessing to one another and to others. Reveal Yourself to us and let us come into agreement with You. Lead us in Your ways. Grant us compassionate hearts, fill us with Your love that does not keep records of wrong, and bring joy to our hearts when we think of one another. Bring Your perfect peace and unity into our family. In Jesus name I pray, amen.