A Prayer for Unity This Thanksgiving
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” - 1 Corinthians 1:10
Listen or Read Below
I have a difficult time when it comes to Thanksgiving celebrations. It is not the holiday itself, but rather having to deal with difficult family members. Due to some people’s bad attitudes and hurtful behaviors, it can be nearly impossible to have a good time at Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving used to be a wonderful holiday in my household when I was a child, but when my eldest sister developed anorexia nervosa, it became a living nightmare due to her intense fear of food. And sadly, she has never recovered. As someone who has gone through recovery for my own eating disorder, it can be even more challenging and triggering to have to encounter her on Thanksgiving.
My other sister and I have tried to talk with our struggling sister many times and offer her peace, but she does not want to listen. For many Thanksgivings, now, my other sister and I had to just choose to go somewhere else for our Thanksgiving dinner. And sadly, this meant not spending time with our dad. If you have someone like this in your family whose actions destroy the unity of the family, know you are not alone. Unfortunately, there is normally at least one family member who tends to cause problems at family gatherings. All we can do is pray for unity and the strength to make it through a difficult family gathering. Other times, we may choose not to attend to protect our own health and minds.
The Apostle Paul tells us, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10). As Paul says in this passage, believers need to be united in mind and thought. Ask the Lord to help you if this is a struggle, and He will provide you with abundant peace. Personally, I will be praying each day leading up to Thanksgiving as well as on the actual day. Seek solace in the good Lord and find unity through His strength.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Jesus, it is very hard to live in unity with people who are difficult to get along with. I have a difficult family member who I really don’t want to encounter this year. Please help me to live in unity with this person and please give me the strength to make it through the holiday. I’m giving all praise and thanks to You, Lord. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AlexRaths
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
