A Prayer for Peaceful Family Vacations - Your Daily Prayer - July 15

A Prayer for Peaceful Family Vacations 
By Chelsey DeMatteis 

Bible Reading:
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” - Philippians 1:3

Listen or Read Below: 

Family vacations are a highlight of my year. I love getting away with my favorite people and making memories that last a lifetime. The older I get, and the more stories we have to tell around the dinner table, my cup runs over with joy.

There were the hilarious memories like the time the praying mantis was on the inside of the window and had me screaming like a dinosaur was in the car and the time I was so afraid to let go of the skibob once it had flipped over my family was frantically looking in the water only to find out I was clinging on for dear life. Then, there were the sweet memories of sharing the photo I had taken of us with the news we were expecting our second child and getting to see our son in the lake for the first time—so much goodness packed into some of my favorite times and places.

These memories are treasures, and while the memories are a gift, it’s the people I get to spend that time with that are most special. I believe this is what God continues to teach me as my family and I grow older. The memories He has given us are a beautiful reminder of how faithful He is to fill our minds with reminders of great joy. In the valleys of life and on the mountaintops, we need reminders like these. They keep us steady, thankful, and hopeful for what God has planned for us.

I’ll also be the first to say that not all moments are perfect when families are gathered together, and for some, the thought of a family vacation or extended stay sounds incredibly stressful; there are ways to find joy in the time spent. I think if we shift our perspective slightly from it being a trip or time revolving around “our” needs and look at the time as the means to create lasting memories, there will be more moments where peace washes over us and stress is at bay. 

God also uses time gathering us together as a way to learn more about Him and His heart for us. When you think of it this way, it helps with that perspective. We know that we are not always the easiest to be around, the most loving, the most kind, or the most selfless. But being brought together with others can be a great reminder of how God extends His love.

Another thing, which might be the most crucial lesson God teaches me with each trip we take, is that I can either be a peaceful presence or the opposite. I’d rather, am I’m sure you’d rather, too, be the peaceful presence. As we approach our vacation destination or gather with family and friends in our homes, we need to stop and pray. Pray for peace, joy, comfort, and the Lord’s presence to be felt through us and around us. It is on us, as believers, to remember that in all circumstances, we are to walk faithfully with God - which means being givers and bearers of His peace.

Cling to Isaiah 26:3 in all you do and be drenched in His peace. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Let’s Pray:

Father, thank you for the people you have placed in my family, even if they are challenging to be around. I pray to be a member of the family that offers your peaceful presence to those around me. In the times when I feel stretched and challenged to do so, remind me that I’m called to walk faithfully in your ways: peaceful, joyful, and self-controlled. God, I know you know this is not always easy for me, so I pray in those moments, I will lean into the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Draw near to my family and draw near to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thomas Barwick

Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.

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