Praying for Family in these days

Considering things I saw this week, things I thought I would never see--example, on one news site seven stories related to human cannibalism!  What's happened to us?  When a culture denies the existence of God, a culture pays a high price.  Doesify said, "When there is no God, all things are permissable."  The good news is this, there is a God no matter how much as a culture wishes He is no more.

In these days we must pray.  Let's start with our families.  (I encourage you to print out the following so you have it for your daily use.)

Praying for Family in these days

Who will I pray for?

1.       ____________________________________         6.   ____________________________________

2.       ____________________________________          7.   ____________________________________

3.       ____________________________________           8.  ____________________________________

4.       ____________________________________          9.   ____________________________________

5.        ____________________________________         10. ____________________________________

*Note:  Include yourself!

1.  Forgive them; forgive yourself

                1 John 1:8-9: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He (God/Jesus) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

            James 5:16:  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

            1 Peter 2:24-25:  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  (Jesus is the Shepherd and Overseer)

            Ephesians 6:12: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2.  Pray for protection for them and yourself

            John 17:1-3:  After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.  For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.  Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

            John 17:15-17:  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

            John 17:20:  "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (This is us today)

3.  Love your family enough to share with them, in love, the message of Christ

            Romans 12:2:  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

            Romans 12:9-16:  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

4.  Remember this

            Jeremiah 29:13:  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.