6 Prayers for Your Heart When Seeing Family Brings Anxiety

Family gatherings while often a joyous occasion, sadly at times can erupt feelings of anxiety due to family dynamics, past hurts, or unresolved conflict.

When feelings of stress or worry begin to creep in, it is important to lean on God and invite the Holy Spirit to bring about peace.

God may also bring about healing in those relationships, or make your next steps clear. What is imperative is to connect in prayer ahead of time with God for His leading and understanding as the event approaches.

1. Prayer for the Distanced Relationship

Time, or even literal distance in location, can invoke strain on relationships. Not seeing someone who was once a very vibrant part of your life may feel awkward or complex when you do reunite for an occasion.

This feeling of distance likely is not intentional from either party, but it can still invoke feelings of unease. Think of how Peter must have felt in John 21 seeing Jesus again for the first time since denying Him the night before He was killed. Instead of overwhelming him with shame, Jesus approached the situation with kindness.

Not ignoring the elephant in the room, but also in embracing Peter with great love. Ask God how this situation can be repaired through kindness and love.

Father God,
     We come before you today to pray for those experiencing feelings of anxiety when it comes to distanced or strained relationships. We pray that those involved may feel Your peace and connection as they come back together again. May there be a gentle flow back into bond from a cherished memory, or shared interest. Please condition all hearts in such a way to be open to reconnection. We speak against any feelings of awkwardness or misunderstandings in approach. May Your hand be upon this reunion. 
      In Jesus name,
         Amen

2. For Forgiveness Needed on Either Side

Forgiveness is seldom an easy journey. Incidents occur in which forgiveness and healing become needed to be given or received.

Forgiveness is a choice and an action within your own spirit and heart to give or to receive. Recall the words of Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Take with you into the interaction this mindset and heart, but also lean upon the Lord to guide and navigate you through what forgiveness looks like in application.

Father God,
     You have been so gracious in forgiving us of our transgressions and sins. Father, in our human relationships there are those we have wronged, and those who have wronged us and in that forgiveness, is needed to move forward. Lord for those who have wronged us, help us to forgive them. Even if the person does not ask for forgiveness, assist us in forgiving them in our own hearts. Remind us that we have been in situations requiring forgiveness, so make us tenderhearted in forgiving others. If we find ourselves needing forgiveness guide us in our actions of being humble before those we have wounded. May their hearts be open to forgiving us and may there be healing. Lord, guide us in the path of forgiveness so that we may ever more become like You. 
     In Jesus Name, 
        Amen 

3. For Harmony and Peace

The heart of the Lord is not one of division or hurt, rather of harmony and peace. Families will often disagree on issues, but inviting the Spirit of the Lord in before you even enter the door will equip you to be a vessel of His serenity.

Cling to 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” Consider praying out verses surrounding peace as you enter into the day with your family.

Father God,
     We invite Your peace and harmony this day into the interactions we have with our families. Lord You are peace, You are harmony, and You are love. We ask that You quiet us with Your steadfastness and assist us in resting in Your stillness through every moment of this day. When feelings begin to boil to fight for our peace, we pray You would remind us of verses to pray upon our lives and remind us to take a deep breath of centering in You. You are our peace. 
     In Jesus Name,
        Amen

4. For New Dynamics

New dynamics possibly can cause anxiety of the unknown. New people at the dinner table, changes in life, or new seasons often shift the atmosphere.

As you seek to navigate these new seasons recall that there have been times where in your own life things have shifted, and the hope for embracing grace you had. Offer your best foot forward in compassion and consideration knowing you do not chart these new waters alone.

Father God,
     New dynamics at times usher in apprehension to experiences. We fear the unknown and begin to want to resort to the old familiar, but times and situations change. Help us to become thoughtful and sympathetic to all those involved, and to embrace the change. Change often though daunting can be a beautiful experience in the end. Walk with us in these new seasons unified in You.
     In Jesus Name,
        Amen 

5. For Passive-Aggressiveness 

When someone is passive-aggressive they do not directly address the issue or disagreement at hand, rather they may say stabbing comments or act in a way that is unkind.

Unsaid words can hover in the air like a dark rain cloud, and tension can feel overwhelming. Take the initiative to walk in peace despite the passive aggressiveness of others.

Don’t take the bait of letting them get under your skin, and if the opportunity does arise to clear the air do so in a calm and mature manner. Taking the high road will always be the right route. 

Father God,
     As much as we love our family members, often their ways of expression may be immature or passive aggressive. These actions itch at us and can tempt us to match their tendencies, but we have the choice to do so or not. Help us to be guided towards open aired communication in a mature fashion or guide us to not pick up the argument. Let us walk in Your calm despite anything anyone seeks to throw at us. We abide under Your Wings.
     In Jesus Name,
        Amen 

6. For Oneness in Christ 

Perspective is key in times of nervousness.

Paul encouraged the early church in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

We must take heart and remember that we are brothers in sisters in Christ, and in that fact, we must treat one another in the same vein. There will always be something to be in disagreement about, or a view that differs among people, but there also remains the choice of unity.

In John 17 right before Jesus was taken to be killed His prayer was for unity among people. Let us take upon us the same spirit and make steps towards unity in Christ with one another during this time, and not focus on what tears us apart.  

Father God,
     You have a heart for unity for us with one another, and most importantly with You. Bind us together in unity with Your love, so that we may come together as One Body working together towards the betterment of the Kingdom. May love be the tie that binds us this day and for the days to come.
     In Jesus Name,
        Amen

Do not let your heart be troubled, trust God in navigation of your circumstances in seeing family.

Know that you do not walk into this alone, and know that He is with you in the midst of every moment. Let His love be your armor this day, and seek a state of peace in your own demeanor.

His heart is to cascade you with His Spirit this day.

Photo Credit: ©Faith Life

Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com