Difficult conversations are, well, difficult! There are risks anytime we step into a difficult conversation. The hope is that the reward is worth the risk, but the alternative can feel scary and costly.
How we steward our relationships matters to God. And there’s no way to steward a relationship without honest communication.
Because God cares about people, He cares about our relationships. How we steward our relationships with everyone from work colleagues, to acquaintances, to family, or any other dynamic, matters to God. And there’s no way to steward a relationship without honest communication—in other words, difficult conversations.
Maybe there’s a conversation you’ve been putting off. A text you haven’t answered. A tension that sits in the back of your mind. Maybe you know you need to say something honest, but you’re worried about how the other person will respond. Prayer can help you boldly step into these conversations.
5 Prayers for Difficult Conversations
Prepare your mind and spirit for whatever conversation may be ahead using these prayers as a guide to align yourself with God. As you read, rest easy knowing that when you seek righteousness, He is with you.
1. A Prayer for Difficult Conversations
Lord, as I prepare myself for this difficult conversation ahead, search me. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me toward Your righteous ways. Help me not to be self-seeking, but Christ-honoring, for You are the one who weighs my motives and knows my heart. Please help the person I need to speak with know that they’re loved. Help me to speak with clarity, compassion, and a heart for unity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer About Motive
Dear God, give me Your eyes for the person on the other side of this conversation. Help me to see them just as I hope to be seen: as Your workmanship, wonderfully created by Your hand. Remind me that they, too, are a chosen and beloved child of God.
I pray that my desire to keep the unity of the Spirit would be greater than any desire to be right or have my way. As a result, I pray for a refreshed bond of peace. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer About Perspective
Father, thank You for creating me to be a communal being, needing connection and relationship with others. Though it’s not one of the easier aspects of life, these relationships give me countless opportunities to become more like You in character.
It’s easy to give myself the benefit of the doubt and to judge my own heart by my intentions. Yet, I struggle to offer that same grace to others. Grant me Your perspective and show me how You want me to value this person. Let my words be a reflection of Your wisdom and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer About Centeredness
God I pray that before, during, and after this conversation, You would center me. As I connect with You, the vine, help me to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, especially: love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.
Lord, ground me so that I can have emotional stability and keep a clear mind. If my mind drifts from You, pull me back with what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise in that very moment. Be my anchor, my stability. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
5. A Prayer About Speech
Father, I know that my tongue possesses the power of both life and death, so I pray that in this difficult conversation I would speak words that bring life. Give me the discipline to have nothing unwholesome come from my lips, but only what is helpful for building the other person up according to their need.
Through the Holy Spirit, give me the words to speak truth in love. Lead the conversation to be filled with grace and seasoned with salt—meaning, we bring more of who You are and how You love us into the picture. Let my speech honor both You and the person in front of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Cares About Your Relationships!
Having a difficult conversation doesn’t mean your relationship is failing or beyond repair. In fact, relationships often find growth through difficult conversations. When each individual decides to care enough to talk through uncomfortable things, trust expands, vulnerability becomes safer, and mutual respect strengthens.
Whatever the conversation, trust God to lead you through it, knowing that He cares for you and your relationships. He will be with you as you prepare for the conversation, during it, and after it, guiding you all the way.
For more on prayer and relationships:
- Watch: Choosing Unity in a Divided World
- Bible Plan: Crucial Conversations
- Bible Plan: Real Hope: Difficult Conversations
- Article: A Prayer Guide