Last week I shared how to pray for those in the military. My thought wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t also share how to pray for the families of those serving.
These men and women–parents, spouses, children and more–struggle with so much while the ones they love are in harm’s way.
I know first-hand just how important those prayers are. Without a doubt, it was the prayers of those around me that got me through those difficult times. Just like praying for a soldier, though, it can be hard to know exactly where to focus our prayers for these families. The need is so great, we almost don’t know where to begin. This is the list I go to when I sit down to pray for those with a loved one in the military:
Release Fear
Fear is never pleasant, but fear for a loved one’s safety can make deployment a nightmare of worry and stress. Releasing loved one’s wellbeing to God can keep him safe and give us the relief we need to survive.
Peace
Feeling at peace when your soldier is in danger doesn’t seem possible. It is, though, when you add God to the equation. Let him reassure you about the future, as well as carry you through the present.
Patience
Developing patience can exhaust the most saintly among us. Trying to cultivate the trait during wartime is insanity–until we turn to God. He can give us the strength we need to endure the time, providing a helping of joy as well.
Faith
Trusting God to take care of the people we love is hard enough when they’re close by. Doing so when they’re at war takes a strength beyond imagination. God is able to give us that ability and grow our faith–all while keeping those we love safe from harm.
Strength
Being strong involves a lot more than just physical feats. When we call out to God, he will give us that inner core of strength that affects every aspect of who we are.
Anger
Deployment is tough enough without the additional emotions that often come boiling to the surface. God can calm these passionate waves and give us the peace we so desperately need to cope with everyday life.
Relationships
Relationships, whether they’re parent-child, spouse or close friends, are never more difficult than when we’re separated by miles. God can bridge that gap and give us a relationship that’s even stronger once we’re reunited.
Whether you’re one of those family members, or someone faithful to pray for them, I’d love to know how you’d add to the list.
