Restoring Strained Relationships Due to Divisive Issues Prayer
Broken and strained relationships happen daily due to divisive issues. This Divisive Issues Prayer will give you God’s power to preserve good relationships gone bad because of opposing religious and political convictions.
This Divisive Issues Prayer can be used either when you personally are struggling with different ideologies with a friend or as a prayer you pray for others who have strained relationships over religious or political convictions.
Restoring Strained Relationships Due to Divisive Issues Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you as a child seeking God’s wisdom regarding the strained and nearly broken relationship between __________ (insert your name or the name of a friend you are praying for) and my/their friend __________.
The divisive issue is one of ideological, political and/or theological differences that are tearing the friendship apart.
Both sides seem set in their ways and are unyielding. Both sides seem to sincerely believe they are right and want to be open about their beliefs and be authentic with each other. Yet the forcefulness of our/their expressions has unintentionally caused hurt feelings. Pretending to be OK isn’t working, because the longer this goes on, more resentments grow. They/we aren’t enjoying being around each other anymore. And it makes everyone feel sad.
Lord, I know that it is clear from the scripture that your desire is for all people to live in harmony with one another.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3
I am also aware that this is nothing new to you. You are omniscient and know all things both great and small, whether the complex working of our vast and intricate universe or our hearts and most intimate thoughts.
It is in recognition of this that I pray now for your help and discernment. I call upon you to provide the answer to this difficult situation; reveal new insights in hopes it can bring peace into our/their lives and possibly bring restoration and harmony and continued friendship.
This is what the You say in Your written Word:
“Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
Lord, today I pray for open hearts and minds. Situations of this kind can bring out the worst in some of us. Please put a cover of protection over us/them. Heal the broken parts of this relationship and create open and humble dialogue once again. Bring peace among us.
I pray, Lord, that there will be an openness of communication.
I pray, Lord, that there will be a renewed spirit of love.
I pray, Lord, that you will remove the clouds of hurt.
I pray, Lord, that forgiveness will be offered and accepted by both parties.
I pray, Lord, that all will work to regain mutual respect.
I pray, Lord, that you will give me the words that will create a pathway for peace.
I pray for clarity and improvement in my this relationship and to remove any stubbornness of the heart.
I pray for personal joy in knowing that You are in control. Your presence is with us/them.
I pray that you will show ________ Your love.
At the same time, Lord, help all to be genuine and true to their convictions but remain kindhearted and patient.
Lord, I understand that if the issue is core to each of us/them, and the disagreement is too deep to come to a mutual understanding or compromise, that it may be necessary that separation from the relationship for the sake of peace.
The scriptures clearly state, “How can two walk together unless they are agreed?” Amos 3:3
But my ultimate hope is that this rift can be mended if it be your will at this time and that friendship be restored to what it was prior to this disagreement.
Thank you, Lord, for listening to my prayer.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in Peace.” Psalm 133:1
Other Scriptures on Restoring Strained Relationships Due to Divisive Issues
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and purpose.” I Corinthians 1:10
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17
“…I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.” I Corinthians 11:18-19
“Better to correct someone openly than to let him think you don’t care for him at all. Friends mean well, even when they hurt you.” Proverbs 27:5-6 GNT
“Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.” 2 Timothy 2:14
“… don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:23-25 NLT
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind hearted, and humble in spirit.” 1 Peter 3:8
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Titus 3:9
“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
About This Restoring Strained Relationships Due to Divisive Issues Prayer
I wrote this prayer after talking with someone who was struggling with a deep friendship that had gone extremely well for years until they started talking about an issue they didn’t agree on. Every time the subject came up, one or the other felt like the were being pressured to change. They tried sweeping it under the rug and pretending things were OK, but that wasn’t healthy either.
Eventually one of them began finding excuses not to get together. This left the other one feeling rejected and left out. When the abandoned person described the situation to me, there were tears in their eyes because they truly loved and missed their friend.
I was very sorry for how hurt my friend was feeling. I wanted to help, so after hearing the whole story, l promised to pray about my friend and their broken relationship.
The first place I go when I am trying to find help is the Bible. I’ve shared in this article some of the Scriptures that helped me write this prayer. My prayer for you is that God will use this article to enable you to have an authentic and productive conversation with God about your relationships and the relationships around you that have been affected and broken by divisive issues.
Other Helpful Articles on Strained Relationships
Broken Friendship Prayer for God’s Help When a Friend Says Things That Hurt You
Copyright Russ Muretisch 2023. All rights reserved.
