How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil…
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting.

~Psalm 133

When it comes to music, our ears have historically preferred harmony over dissonance. Most of us prefer Mozart to Michael van der Aa. But, while music gives way to taste, when it comes to relational harmony, taste takes a back seat. Harmony always trumps dissonance where relationships are concerned.

It’s the holidays. Relational dissonance looms large to steal our joy, our anointing, and our blessing. Let’s pray for harmony!

My Father,

You know the struggles my family has had in the past, the little disagreements, the difficult personalities, the petty strife. In the past I’ve played into that. I’ve retaliated. I’ve encouraged and promoted it. I’ve been easily irked , ticked, and touchy. Please forgive me, God. I repent and change course. I take up your call to walk in your ways. Before I step into one family gathering, I clothe myself with love and saturate my soul in forgiveness.  I choose to forgive every person. I choose to pre-forgive every insensitive comment, every jab, every stab, every offense even before it occurs. With every bone in my body I will simply walk away from holding a grudge. I leave the consequences to your discretion, Heavenly Father. I will sing in harmony with you.

In Jesus Name and with His help. Amen.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.” (John 17:20-22)

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Phil. 2:1,2)