Special Prayers for the International Year of the Family

June - Families with fostered or troubled children

Lord, we commit into your special care those families
where there are fostered or troubled children.
We pray that you will give all family members
the resources and wisdom they need
to build up loving relationships and a sense of belonging
in even the most difficult situations.

July - Blended Families (Step-families)

Lord, we pray for those brought together in a new family
following a second marriage.
Grant them ever growing love in their new relationship.
We ask your blessing upon the children in these families.
Fill parents and children with wisdom and love
as they grow together as a family.
When relationships are strained
give them strength, patience,
an ability to understand
and the grace to persevere,
so that they may grow close to each other
and live in unity to your praise and glory.

August - Families at times of adversity

We pray for all families who are suffering
through poverty, sickness, war
or broken relationships.
We pray that God's presence
may comfort and strengthen them,
and that we may work in Christ
to ease their burdens
and minister to their needs