Lord,

You teach us, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” John 13:34. May Togetherness motivate our family life. May we never become too busy to love grand events and simple every day living.

At the heart of each interaction we pray for Honesty. “We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable” (2 Corinthians 8:21). For we know trust is built and maintained through the sharing of truth.

In the midst of those interactions, Lord, may we “Love each other with genuine Affection” (Romans 12:10a). Without touch the appreciation we have for the special people You’ve given us can never be visibly known or fully felt.

Give us a Nearsighted mentality. Your Word encourages us to “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you” (Proverbs 4:25). In a busy world with so many spaces vying for our attention it is our desire that we would not get side-tracked or distracted. That we wouldn’t have our mind so in the distance that we miss the moments.

Relationships are complex with good moments and difficult ones, but through it all may we “be Kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). May we rise above human struggle and remain centered in Godly love.

Steadfast faith is the basis an enduring home. You advise, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash” (Matthew 7:24-27) and we take this to heart. For the true gift of Thanksgiving is your love and the people with whom we share the meal table.

Amen