A Prayer About Disagreements

When my friend and I don’t see eye to eye

SPIRIT OF GOD,

My friend and I know each other very well, having spent so much time together through the years. We have shared much, so we know each other’s talents, dreams, values, stresses, deepest fears, hidden weaknesses, and past mistakes and sins. Thus, in the heat of a conflict or disagreement, I am tempted to use that privileged knowledge to bolster my case or as a weapon, to hurt. I did that today, and I’m ashamed. Whether my position is right or wrong, I never should stoop to saying those kinds of things. It’s not fair or loving and doesn’t reflect Christ in me. I don’t want to be the kind of person who lashes out without thinking. People do not always agree; even the closest of friends will have differences of opinion, some strongly held. At those times, help me, Holy Spirit, to keep my cool and to present my side with care for the other person. And especially in this situation, please give me the opportunity and the right words to ask for forgiveness.

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29