A Prayer for Unity and Understanding in Our Communities
"¶ And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel." - Joshua 22:11
O Sovereign Lord, Almighty and Everlasting God, we come before You today with hearts humbled by Your greatness and grace. We reflect on Your Word from Joshua 22:11, where it is written, “And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.” This account serves as a reminder of the challenges and misunderstandings that can arise within our communities, and we seek Your guidance and wisdom as we navigate our relationships with one another.
Lord, as we read these verses, we see that even among Your chosen people, there arose tensions and miscommunications concerning the building of an altar. The altar, initially seen as a potential division among the tribes, became a symbol of the bond they shared with You and one another. Help us, O Lord, to remember that while we may sometimes see differences that could lead to conflict, we must always strive to understand the heart behind the actions of those around us.
We pray for the spirit of unity among Your people. When we encounter different perspectives that can create disputes, may we remain sensitive to the beliefs and customs of others. Just as the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had their reasons for building the altar, teach us to listen deeply and seek understanding before we jump to conclusions or cast judgments.
Grant us the humility to approach each other with grace, rather than with suspicion. May we be slow to anger and quick to listen, following the counsel of James 1:19, which reminds us that we must be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. Help us to handle our differences with care, ensuring that we cultivate a spirit of love that transcends our disagreements.
Father God, lead us to seek reconciliation instead of division. Malikah, we further request that You deliver us from the strife that jealousy or misunderstanding can cause. Let no wall be erected that would separate us from one another, or from You. Instead, may every interaction we have, even when it involves difficult conversations, build bridges instead of barriers. Help us to see the worth and value in every member of our community, recognizing that each of us is made in Your divine image.
Lord, give wisdom to our leaders and elders as they guide our communities. Let them be filled with love and discernment to manage conflicts that arise, ensuring that they reflect Your peace in their decisions. Fortify them with courage to address issues head-on, striving for resolution and healing when challenges appear.
As the children of Israel rallied together to address the situation brought forth by the altar, may we be equally proactive in seeking solutions to potential misunderstandings. Foster a spirit of camaraderie among us, a bond forged in love and mutual respect that withstands the tests of time.
Most importantly, Lord, let us never forget the greater purpose that unites us. May we constantly be reminded of the mission to glorify You through our lives and the relationships we build with one another. In everything we do, let us prioritize the advancement of Your Kingdom, inviting others to know Your love and grace through our unity.
For Your Word assures us in Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Therefore, we commit our community, our hearts, and our actions into Your capable hands, seeking always to fulfill Your will. We pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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Joshua 22:11 Artwork
Joshua 22:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel."
"¶ And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel." - Joshua 22:11
Joshua 11:22 - "There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained."
Joshua 22:1 - "Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,"
"There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained." - Joshua 11:22
Joshua 22:6 - "So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents."
Joshua 11:18 - "Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
Joshua 15:22 - "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"
Joshua 10:22 - "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
Joshua 18:22 - "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,"
Rubenites buyilding alter in Joshua 22
"Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh," - Joshua 22:1
Joshua 11:9 - "And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire."
Joshua 24:22 - "And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses."
Joshua 11:15 - "¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses."
Joshua 12:22 - "The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;"
Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."
Joshua 11:23 - "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war."
"And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," - Joshua 15:22
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 11:10 - "¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms."
Joshua 21:22 - "And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth-horon with her suburbs; four cities."
Joshua 22:22 - "The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)"
Joshua 22:7 - "¶ Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given possession in Bashan: but unto the other half thereof gave Joshua among their brethren on this side Jordan westward. And when Joshua sent them away also unto their tents, then he blessed them,"
"So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents." - Joshua 22:6
Joshua 11:16 - "So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;"
Rubenites building alter of "immense size" in Joshua 22
Joshua 11:21 - "¶ And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities."
James 2:2-4