Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac...Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me"...He spent the night there, and from what he had with him he selected a gift for his brother Esau... (Genesis 32: 9, 11,13)
Sovereign God, You created us to be in relationship, to live with our families, our communities, our societies in interdependency and mutual support. But too often, Lord, our relationships become strained, or stressed or damaged beyond repair.
Father, You alone fully understand the gamut of emotions that come from broken relationships—the pain, the grief, the anxiety, the loss, the bitterness, and the anger. You understand the complex issues behind severed family ties, broken friendships, and painful estrangements.
Your word gives us a raw and realistic account of the struggles between Jacob and Esau—deeply connected as twins; yet separated by anger, bitterness, woundedness, unforgiveness, hatred, and the desire for revenge. Yet, lost and confused as they were in this complicated tangle, You worked on their hearts to bring about healing and forgiveness.
Father, what a reminder—what a picture of Your grace in this story of reconciliation! We learn that Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him (Genesis 33:4). Although he had no need of Jacob's gift (Genesis 33:9), he accepted it to demonstrate "favor" to his brother (Genesis 33:8-10).
Only You, Lord, can create such deep healing and forgiveness. Just as You forgive our wrongs and accept our imperfect gifts, You help us to forgive each other, and to show each other favor.
We pray for all struggling under the weight of brokenness, unforgiveness, estrangement and separation. Touch the wounded, soften the unyielding and restore the broken. Let hearts overflow with the beauty of forgiveness, and the peace and joy of reconciliation.
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