Prayer for the blessings and unity of the family mixed together on Father’s Day
By Rachel Ujo
Bible Reading:
“How good and comfortable when God’s people live together in unity, how good and comfortable it is, when precious oil pours into their heads, and runs down on their beards, and runs down Aaron’s beard, and the collar of his robe.” – Psalm 133:1-2
Listen or read:
Father’s Day allows you to mix emotions into your mixed family. Perhaps you are a stepfather who wonders if you really belong or if your kids view you as their “real” dad. Maybe you are a biological father who is trying to maintain a connection while your child is building a relationship with his stepfather. Or you may be watching your child navigate Father’s Day cards and gifts, trying to find a way to honor everyone without hurting someone’s feelings.
I have been walking through a season when I felt that family dynamics were not simple. I’ve seen my loved one struggle with how to fit and love them well in complex relationships. When what appears to be a celebration is a source of stress and sadness, it can be heartbreaking.
This is something I have learned through my own journey and many other journey stories. He sees them as families who are intentionally putting them together, each playing an important role in his larger story.
In Psalm 133, David talks about how good and fun it is when people live together in unity. He compares it to precious oil. It covers everything and brings blessings. It is the kind of unity that God wants in a mixed family. Not fake peace where everyone pretends everything is perfect, but real unity where people choose to love each other even when they are messy.
The beautiful thing about God is that he specializes in taking what is broken and making it perfect. He can help his stepfather find confidence in his role without feeling like he’s competing with anyone. He can help his biological father stay connected while cheering on the new relationships his children are building. And he can help the children feel the freedom to love multiple father figures without feeling guilty about it.
If you are in a mixed family, I want you to know that God does not see your family as less or more complicated. He sees it as a family he intentionally brought with him. Believe that this Father’s Day, whether you celebrate your father’s appearance or some form, is greater than any troublesome moment, or greater than the hurtful feeling. He writes beautiful stories with your family.
Let’s pray
Heavenly Father,
We come to you today, acknowledging that mixed families can feel complicated, especially on days like Father’s Day. We navigate the relationship between love and understanding, seeking your grace to cover our family dynamics and your wisdom. For the stepfather in our lives, give them confidence in their roles and help them know that they are appreciated and highly valued. For biological fathers, feel safe in their place and support some of their children’s new family structures.
Lord, be careful that our children love and respect every father figure in their lives without guilt or confusion. Give them peace in their hearts and help you see how you can use multiple people to show your father’s love. If there is tension or uncertainty, it will bring you peace. It brings healing if there are hurt feelings or misunderstandings. Communication with grace and assuming each other’s best intentions. Thank you for taking the broken bits of our stories and weaving them into beautiful things. Help us see our mixed family through our eyes – not complicated, but abundantly loved.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©gettyimages/fizkes
Thank you for taking part in prayer today. I pray that this prayer will bring encouragement to those navigate the beautiful intricacies of this Father’s Day mixed in. God’s heart is big enough for all the love and relationships in your family story, and he uses each and every one to show his love in a unique way. If you need more guidance to find strength and hope in the complicated seasons of life, I invite you to embrace my new book, Desperate Prayers: The Power of Prayer in the Darkest Moment of Life. You will find practical stories, prayers, and practical ways to connect with God when you need him the most. For more information, please visit dastateprayers.com. Remember, God sees you, hears you, knows your needs.
Rachel Wojo is an author, public speaker and podcaster who hosts Bible reading assignments on the popular blog rachelwojo.com. Her biblical approach and living environment influence women find strength and hope in everyday situations. Rachel’s journey is an ideal, hopeless prayer that sheds light on asking God’s questions. Rachel’s journey includes losing her mother to leukemia, a daughter of her adult special needs, a rare neurologically degenerative disease, and her father suffers from illness. She is the author of hopeless prayer. It is to embrace the power of prayer in the darkest moments of life. Mostly, Rachel is in love with six on Earth and two in heaven for Matt.
If you are looking for guidance to deepen your prayer life in difficult times, I encourage you to embrace my new book, Desperate Prayers: The Power of Prayer in the Darkest Moment of Life. You will find practical stories, prayers, and practical ways to connect with God when you need him the most. For more information, please visit dastateprayers.com.
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