Holiday get-togethers with extended family remind us of greeting cards, pictures filled with smiling faces, and with everyone lovingly getting along. 

Really? 

Is that how your Thanksgiving dinner pans out?

I don’t know about you, but in my decades of holiday dinners, I’ve noticed some holiday get-togethers not only are sprinkled with mild bickering but can also serve up a few hot heads.  Today, more than ever, we must learn the secret art of walking on eggshells.  And don’t even talk about all the political opinions in the room. Really. Don’t. Or it may not just be the turkey that gets burned.  

Today, many families find that division comes in a number of styles and varieties. We all know how it starts! Someone innocently (or not so innocently) says the wrong thing.  Suddenly, someone gets a bad case of hysterics, sobs, silent treatments, or even door slams – which is a real dinner spoiler.

So, what if I could offer you an idea on how to tame the holiday tension, would you be interested?

OK, what if we made a pact, a secret plan, that only you and the others reading this article know about. What if we prayed, like down on our knees?

Well, sure, you’ve heard prayer can change things.  And though I’m not promising you a holiday miracle, I am promising you, that if you follow my prayer directions below, you may get even more than a piece of pumpkin pie in peace. What would that be worth to you?

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First, take a few moments and meditate on this verse.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Now, let’s pray.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your presence at my holiday get-together.  I need the peace – Your peace – that passes understanding.  Serve me with it first, so that I can serve it to others.  I ask that Your peace reign, even if only through me.

Help me not entertain any strife, division, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, hurt, pride, bruised feelings, or arguing. I ask the same for the others at my table

Lord, I’m asking You for a holiday miracle, one of peace and love, one where You are honored in my home.  And Lord, may Your miracle start with me. Pour Your love in and through me, and cover all those I love with Your love. Help me to see my loved ones through Your eyes. Even if they come to the table angry, even if I don’t appreciate their points of view, may they feel Your love and may the leave refreshed.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.