Father God, you know the friction I endure, when the sandpaper is rubbing and wearing me down. Friction feels discouraging and aggravating. Friction feels like distraction. Friction feels like temptation to divide.
You move powerfully in friction if your children turn to you, rely on you, and invite you in. You move powerfully in friction if we can endure the rubbing and not turn to slander, yelling, or unkindness to cope.
Father God, Jesus lived on this earth as a carpenter. Friction to rough wood is necessary for transformation. Your children are being transformed into your son’s image, often through friction. No one understands me like you, and knows the amount of friction I can endure, so hold me in your arms Father. May I receive this friction as hope for maturity in love, and may I receive your grace and strength to get through it.
Teach me to listen to those I disagree with. Could I bite my tongue from negativity? Could I not go off and gossip? Could I forgive and seek reconciliation? Could I be overwhelmed in humility? Could I genuinely love others, even in our differences? Could we still join our hands in praise of you?
Yes Lord, I believe in you and ask for unity and compassion in our families, work places, churches, and communities. May we be filled with patience and wisdom in the friction. May we find strength to love by turning to you in prayer. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
My Heart, My Home 