Father, when we think of our homes we all have different ideas and feelings that emerge — different needs and desires. Most often, meant to be a place of belonging, comfort, and relational intimacy. Depending on our experiences, we find either joy and satisfaction or pain and disappointment. No prayer I can pray will cover every aspect of home for all of us. Except maybe, come. Would you come and draw near to us. Help us to welcome you each day into our home and our days, to grow in our awareness of and delight in your presence.
Father, as we consider our roles as brothers or sisters, sons or daughters, roommates and friends… You have done great things — please restore us again. Thank you for all these connections and relationships. May they remind us that we are not alone. Father would you allow us to glean joy and fulfillment in these relationships. Would you grant us wisdom when these relationships are complex or dysfunctional. Would you help us to be a reflection of your love and care, pointing those closest to us to You.
Father, as we consider our marriages… You have done great things — please restore us again. Thank you for what marriage is meant to be - an practical, earthly experience of the heavenly reality of how you love your people. For those of us in a sweet season in our marriage, thank you. Thank you for the comfort and intimacy and fun. For those of us in a dry or difficult season, would you help us to love our spouse as you do, desiring their walk with you to flourish. Would You remind us that our spouse is not meant to complete us, despite what our culture often says - only you do that, meeting our deepest desires to be known and loved. Would you allow our marriages to be a source of maturity and strength and a reflection to us and all of your amazing, covenantal love.
Father, as we consider our children… You have done great things — please restore us again. Thank you for blessing so many of us with children, and their children with children. Would you draw our children closer to you - whether they are 6 weeks old or 60 years old. Let them marvel at the God who made them. May their struggles teach them to call out to you for help and comfort and for wisdom. Would you protect them from the alluring and deadly idea that they know best who they are and what they need. Instead, may they allow them to taste and see that you are good. And when they sin and fall short, as we all do, would you lead them quickly to repentance - to fullness of life and joy in you. Father, they are made in your image, would you cause them to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with you and with men.
Father, as we consider our parenting… You have done great things — please restore us again. Thank you for your grace- that you are able to cover a multitude of sins. We depend on it! Thank you that you can and do fill all the gaps and holes that we leave and create in our role as parents. Teach us to listen to your Word and depend on your Spirit, minute by minute, for the wisdom to know how shepherd the souls you have entrusted to us. And would you teach us to pray! Help us call out to you on their behalf, even as your Son calls out to you on our behalf. Lastly, would you remind us to delight in our children. Though it is hard and we are often anxious over their welfare, help us delight in them, just as you delight in your children.
Father, would you help us remember in all aspects of home, that our greatest home is with you and is yet to come in all its glorious fullness. You have done great things — please restore us again.