Forward in Faith: A Family Guide for Growing TogetherSample

Praying for Our Homes, Schools, and Communities

Key Scripture

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!–Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Meditation

We all live in communities with schools, workplaces, and city governments. As God’s children, we are responsible for being light for our community and a catalyst for God’s goodness to permeate the hearts of those around us and draw others to Him.

We cannot witness what it means to live a faith-filled life to the world around us unless the Holy Spirit works within us. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He produces this good fruit within us as we draw closer to Him.

This good fruit is revealed in us as qualities given by God. As the Scripture says, there is no law against them because they are good! Let’s pray that we, in our communities—our schools, cities, counties, and governing agencies—draw closer to God.

Imagine what it would be like if the fruit of God’s Spirit influenced and changed our whole culture! Pray for it to happen. Pray with authority because we have it in the name of Jesus Christ! Prayer changes everything.

Reflection

• What area of your community will you commit to intentionally pray for God to transform?
• What actions can your family take to demonstrate God’s love, compassion, and mercy in your community?

Prayer

Lord, help our community be receptive to Your Holy Spirit. Bring light to our schools, workplaces, and government in ways only You can. Help us remember to pray for this bigger picture as we seek to grow closer to You. Amen.