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For those who have unsaved loved ones joining in holiday gatherings this year, here are some specific prayers to pray on their behalf.

Knowing that our own testimony and the fruit of our lives are a powerful witness, we also pray to be a clear reflection of Christ’s love and His boundless hope for the future. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians:

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

Lord, help me to be an honorable ambassador of the King to my family and friends by…

…remaining free of any past wound or offense, walking in forgiveness and grace.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:30-32).   Also: Proverbs 10:12, 19:11; and John 13:35.

…seeing others as You do through eyes of unconditional love and promise.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).   Also: Ephesians 1:18, 4:2-30.

…seasoning my words with grace, truth, and love.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).   Also: Colossians 4:2-6 and 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

…reflecting the power of the kingdom by serving others in humility.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life (Philippians 2:14-15).

…being the aroma of Christ to those who are lost.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15). 

Lord, I pray for my loved one who is wandering and lost, that they would…

…hunger for the Bread of life and thirst for the Living Water.

I am the Bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst (John 6:35).   Also: Matthew 5:6 and Psalm 63:1.

…long for fellowship that ministers to their soul and inspires their spirit. 

Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees (Job 4:3-4).  Also: Romans 1:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:26, and 1 John 1:7.

…hear the good news of God’s love and His power to heal, set free, and deliver.

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land (Proverbs 25:25).  Also: Mark 5:19, Romans 1:16, and Romans 10:10-17.

…see the fruit of living for Christ and the joy and freedom it brings.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:15–16).

 Also: Proverbs 21:21; Acts 13:47; 1 Corinthians 1:18; and 1 Thessalonians 2:10.

…receive a fresh revelation of God’s love and a personal encounter Jesus.

And they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world (John 4:42).  Also: Job 42:5; 1 Corinthians 13:12; and 1 John 5:20.

As we purpose to reflect Christ in all that we say and do, may we:

• Be the light before preaching the light (Colossians 1:9-14).
• Look for ways to serve others through acts of kindness (Philippians 2:3-8).
• Verbally affirm and bless those who may try to discourage us (Luke 6:28).
• Turn negative situations into opportunities for blessing (1 Peter 2:11-12).
• Act as sons and daughters of the King (Philippians 3:20).
• Be carriers of His presence to transform lives (1 Corinthians 3:16).

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants (Isaiah 44:3).

• Wanda Alger, IFA Field Correspondent