Prayer for the Family of God

Father, your Son looked around at those who sat near him and called them his family. We thank you that by your grace we are among them. We did not earn our place; you gave it, and we hold it by doing your will, which is itself your gift.

We pray for our earthly families, the ones we were born into and the ones we have made. Where there is misunderstanding about our faith, give patience. Where there is estrangement, work toward peace. Where there is love, deepen it. Keep us from using Jesus' words as an excuse to neglect those you have placed close to us.

And we pray for the household of faith across the world, our brothers and sisters we will never meet. Strengthen those who are persecuted. Encourage those who are lonely. Bind us together in doing your will.

Make our congregations places where anyone who walks in could find a mother, a brother, a sister. Through Jesus Christ, the firstborn among many, Amen.