November: A Month Of Spiritual Formation

Seven Prayers of Reconciliation

Each year, November seems to be the month when our home slows down to reflect and realign. It is the time when we celebrate on a larger scale what God has done thus far and begin to pray about where He desires to take us in the new year.

I took a few days off and was reminded of the importance of spiritual formation, which drew me, particularly in this season, to the fact that it begins with reconciliation.

My heart has been heavy with the division in the world, even more deeply saddened that division has crept into the Church. It seems as though many are fractured by offense, disappointment, and disillusionment. Yet the commission remains unchanged, as the flesh, bones, and voice of Jesus—we are still called to be ministers of reconciliation. We are still ambassadors of a living, breathing, and all-powerful heavenly kingdom.

We are invited to stand in the gap where bitterness has built walls, where hope has grown hollow, and love has grown cold.

So this week, we focus on seven prayers of reconciliation. We are asking God to restore what has been broken first in us, and then through us.

This week we choose to:

Be reconciled to God.

Be reconciled to self.

Be reconciled to the Church.

Be reconciled in our marriages.

Be reconciled to our children.

Be reconciled in our friendships.

Be reconciled to humanity.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” II Corinthians 5:18.

Be Reconciled to God

Reconciliation begins vertically with God. Everything starts with God. If we want to live in righteousness, pursue holiness, and walk in love, it starts with Him.

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Psalms 51:12.

Prayer:

Abba Father,

I draw near again. Wash me in Your mercy, keep me in Your grace. Heal the distance I’ve allowed, and restore me to the joy of Your presence. I receive Your abundant forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be Reconciled to Self

Forgiving ourselves comes before we can walk relationally with others. We must accept God’s grace for ourselves, so that we can live from the abundance of it. We are not defined by our past or confined by our failures; we are new creations in Christ Jesus.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Help me release shame, guilt, and regret and embrace Your tender mercies and loving kindness. Teach me to see myself through Your eyes: redeemed, restored, and renewed. I am Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be Reconciled to the Church (Heal from Church Hurt).

The body of Christ is imperfect but precious—the tapestry where His divine graces are on full display. When reconciliation flows within the Church, unity is restored and revival floods the atmosphere.

Koinōnia expresses intimate spiritual communion and mutual participation; it’s not merely social togetherness but a deep, covenantal bond centered in Christ. Because koinōnia matters deeply to God, it is foundational for us. May we not just attend church, but be the Church, embodying love that reconciles, restores, and revives.

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Heal the wounds among Your Bride. Teach us to forgive freely and love deeply. Help me forgive where I’ve been hurt, and help me move with humility so that where I have caused hurt, I will confess and work towards rebuilding the breach. Make Your Church whole through love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be Reconciled in Marriage

Marriage is divinely inspired, prepared by God Himself to mirror the holy union between Christ and His Bride. It is sacred, not merely a contract between two people but a covenant with God. In its truest form, marriage becomes a living parable of redemption where forgiveness softens hearts, humility bridges differences, and covenant love endures through every season. It is His kingdom, real-time and on display.

“Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit,

Soften our hearts toward one another. Rekindle the covenant of love that mirrors Yours, selfless, enduring, and kind. Restore tenderness where there is tension and remind us that love is not a feeling but a choice. Teach us to listen with humility and speak with grace. Let our marriage be a reflection of Christ and His Church, sacrificial, steadfast, and filled with holy affection. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be Reconciled with Your Children

Our children need our grace more than perfection. Because grace models what humans striving for perfection never can: redemption. When we live in the place of grace, we have made the choice to heal not just ourselves but generations. We break cycles, heal patterns, and pass on peace instead of pain. We effectively flip the script, acknowledging God has the pen and the power to rewrite legacy.

“And He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6.

Prayer:

Abba Father,

Mend what is strained and heal what is silent. Where distance has settled, let Your love build a bridge. Teach me to love with patience, to listen with empathy, and to lead with humility. Restore connection where pain has divided us and rekindle trust where it has faded. Let forgiveness flow freely, both given and received. Soften my heart, steady my words, and fill our home with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Reconciled in Friendship

God designed us for community. Reconciliation in friendship restores joy, strengthens the bond of love, and reopens the flow of accountability, truth, and covering. It doesn’t ignore the wound; it invites Christ into it. True friendship speaks the truth in love and is willing to walk the journey of faith together.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

You are the Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Teach me to reflect Your steadfast love, to be the kind of friend I’ve longed to have. Where there has been misunderstanding, bring truth and clarity. Where hearts have grown distant, breathe grace and healing. May each bond that remains be rooted in love, anchored in forgiveness, and strengthened by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be Reconciled to Humanity

We are called to love as Christ loves, beyond borders, backgrounds, and beliefs. Our table is open to everyone, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging. As the flesh and bone of Jesus, we are called to love without distinction and serve without condition, as Christ so loved us.

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

Prayer:

Spirit of the Living God,

Help me embody Your heart for the world.

Teach me to walk humbly as Your ambassador

of peace, restoring those in front of me,

through compassion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflection:

Which area of reconciliation is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you this week?

Journal:

Lord, where are You calling me to return, repair, or reconcile?