Coming together as a family can be difficult when we all come from various backgrounds. Learning to love and accept one another requires time, effort, and a lot of prayer! We can’t help you with time or effort, but here are eight prayers rooted in Scripture to help you as a stepparent to rely on God and see breakthroughs from His perspective.
1. ONE FAMILY
“I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one.” – John 17:21 NLT
Lord Jesus, make us one as a family. Help us not only see ourselves as separate individuals but bring us together with a new unified mindset. Let each member of this family feel a part and do their part. Give us a heart of tenderness for one another. Amen.
2. EXPERIENCING ACCEPTANCE
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. – Romans 15:7 NLT
Father, thank You for accepting me and bringing me into Your family. Help me lead and model in this area of accepting those who are new to me. I pray this can be a normal way of life in our family. Build in us a culture of accepting one another, trusting one another, and inclusivity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. GUARDING THE MARRIAGE
“Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” – Matthew 19:6 NLT
Lord Jesus, be the center of our marriage as we build on You, a foundation that cannot be shaken. Keep us focused on the right things, patient and kind, tenderhearted towards one another, and only speaking in words that build the other up. Keep us together as one and let no one and nothing split us up.
4. GROWING TOGETHER SPIRITUALLY
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. – Philippians 1:9 NLT
Thank You, Father, for Your Holy Spirit who leads me into all truth. As we pursue Christ and grow up in Your knowledge, help us truly understand the ways of God. Cause our love for You and one another to grow and overflow to the rest of our family.
5. RESOLVING CONFLICT RIGHTLY
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18 NLT
My God, help me be humble and think about others even when we have conflict. Give me Your wisdom to become the peacemaker in the family. Show me how to be the one who is initiating resolve, even when I think I’m right. Empower me with the humility of Jesus. Amen.
6. PROMOTING RELATIONAL HARMONY
So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. – 1 Peter 2:1 NLT
Please help our children to get along and love each other well. Help us model this and speak with words that are helpful and encouraging to them. Expose jealousy and competition in our hearts; let it be put to rest, and let love reign in our household instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. EXCELLING IN COMMUNICATION
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. – 1 Peter 3:8–9 NLT
Lord Jesus, help our entire family to sympathize with one another. When harsh words are spoken, let retaliation be changed to a gentle answer. Give us the grace to be humble and tenderhearted towards each family member. I pray for a unified front, fighting for each other and not with each other. Amen.
8. KEEPING FORGIVENESS FRESH
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. – Colossians 3:13 NLT
Jesus, thank You for the cross, for the sacrifice of love that brought about forgiveness of sins for those who believe and call on Your name to save. As You have forgiven me of every sin I have ever done, I forgive my family members for their faults. I lay this offense down and will hold no record of their wrongs in my heart. Amen.
