A Prayer For When Parents Are Not On The Same Page

God of Peace,

Raising children together 

is a partnership filled with immense joy

and complicated struggles. 

At times our opinions, methods,

and preferences feel too far apart

to find common ground.

We confess God:

sometimes our selfish hearts care

more about being right

than about being loving.

Sometimes, in heated moments,

we say hurtful things

we don’t  mean.

Forgive us, Lord.

Would you soften our hearts toward each other?

Would you give us insight into the other’s point of view?

May we remember that our children

are watching—absorbing our tension,

and witnessing our humility and forgiveness,

as well as our bitterness and pride.

We need your help

to love each other through

the petty disagreements,

as well as the fractures

that feel harder to repair.

In your mercy, Lord, may each

“I’m sorry” become a doorway

into a deeper love and respect

for each other, and an example

of grace for our kids.

Help us find a way toward true partnership

so that our home might be a place

characterized by the fruit of your Spirit:

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Amen.