Scripture tells us in James 5:16 that, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” That means we have been given the power through prayer to make changes in our lives, in our homes, in our relationships and in our world. That’s why it’s so important to take time to pray every day, especially for your family—your immediate family, your extended family, and even your church family. Every person in your family has been given to you by God. They may not always act right; they may not always treat you right; they may not say the right things all the time, but we still have a responsibility to lift them up in prayer. Even if the relationship is not what it needs to be, God can use your prayers to turn things around. Prayer is God’s vehicle for change!

I know sometimes family relationships can be the most difficult. There can be pain, hurt and offense; but when you pray, you are opening the door for God’s healing in your life and in your relationships. God doesn’t want you to go through life carrying a load of heartache and offense. He doesn’t want us to be prisoners of pain. I talk to so many people who have been hurt by family members—someone walked out on them, a child’s not living the right way—but I want you to know, if you want to be free, you have to begin to pray past the pain. Luke 6:28 tells us to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us. When we do the right thing, even when the wrong thing is happening, God will turn things around for our good and bless us beyond our wildest dreams.

I want to encourage you today, when you feel that unction in your heart to pray for a family member or when they simply come to mind out of the blue, don’t ignore it! Even if you haven’t talked to them in years, that’s how the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray for that person. You never know what may be going on in their life, and how your prayer may be the prayer that changes everything.

Remember, God loves you so much today. He wants to restore you He wants to restore your family. He has a great future planned for you. Stand in faith, keep believing, and keep praying because there’s nothing too difficult for Him. Even if you don’t feel like it, take a step of faith because God sees your obedience to Him. He’ll honor you because you’ve honored His Word. Don’t give up even if something is taking longer than you thought. God is a faithful God, and He is working behind the scenes on your behalf to bring restoration to every area of your life!