Priscilla Shirer, the author of Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer, believes that Satan strategically attacks us and recommends that we write prayers to counter his attacks. I am still not convinced that the devil is behind my spiritual struggles but I do see the importance of praying strategically. So far, I have found every issue Priscilla has raised worthy of fervent prayer.

Strategy 4 – Against Your Family

He wants to disintegrate your family, dividing your home, rendering it chaotic, restless, and unfruitful (Genesis 3:1-7)

PRISCILLA SHIRER

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A PRAYER FOR MY FAMILY

Heavenly Father, before I bring my need, I will bring my heart. From the bottom of my heart, thank You for my family. From the day I was born, through all the ups and downs, my family has been a source of unconditional love, friendship, and joy. My family shaped who I am, teaching me, among other things, the value of hard work, perseverance, empathy, and faith.

Father, one of the most important life lessons I learned from my family is the power of forgiveness. For too many years, I resented my mother for things she did and did not do as a single parent. It was only when we almost lost her that I saw her with grace-filled eyes. I am ashamed for holding a grudge for so long. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to forgive mom before she died.

Lord Jesus, when any family member disappoints me, I pray that You will help me to forgive as You forgive me. Help me to see things from their perspective and to remember that we are all a work in progress.

Father, I pray that You will open my eyes to the ways I need to change. Show me how I can be more loving, more supportive, sister, wife, aunt and friend.

Father, thank you for my husband, my best friend for 34 years. Lord, sometimes he gets depressed and withdraws from me and I don’t know how to help him. You know what is on his mind and in his heart. Please help him with whatever he is struggling with.

Lord, I pray for the health and well-being of my large, extended family. Please protect my brothers and sisters and my nieces and nephews and my great nieces and nephews. Please guide them as they face their own struggles. For all my loved ones, I pray the words of The Blessing.¹

The Lord bless you and keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you 
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children and their children

Lord Jesus, above all else, I pray for the salvation of family members who do not know You, especially those who have outright rejected You. You know the names on my heart and I lift them up to You.

Amen

1. The Blessing, Elevation Worship with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes