If you are hosting this holiday season or planning the potluck for your workplace, you may be wondering how to keep conversations peaceful and, dare I say, civilized. Because, in all honesty, let’s face the reality that as family, friends, and co-workers mingle, it can sometimes lead to inappropriate or uncomfortable conversations. We’ve all been there, and we all have people in our lives who don’t necessarily understand healthy boundaries.
Whether Uncle Bob brings up his latest conspiracy theory, your cousin gets a little too personal with probing questioning, the little ones ask about Aunt Betty’s “old” boyfriend, or that overtly open co-worker unloads all their family trauma, causing the conference room to fall silent. Awkward.
So, how do we meet at our holiday tables, lavishly graced with turkey and all the trimmings, with a heart full of gratitude and the intention of meaningful conversations? Well, if you are playing hostess this year, and the possible wayward conversations are causing you a bit of stress…Not to worry! There are some creative ways to keep the sweet people in your life entertained at the dinner table, even if a misplaced comment leads to a few side eye glances.
Use the prayers, blessings, and conversation starters below to ease the tension and avoid any unwholesome talk. You can print them out or tuck a few in your hip pocket to refer to when conversations get a bit “heated” or veer off track. The best part is that they are suitable for all ages and can be adapted for various gatherings and events.
Pocket Prayers for Peace, Unity, and Thankfulness
Father, as we gather around our tables and share this meal, may we set our sights on the bounty of blessings You have so graciously provided. Help us rejoice, give thanks, and honor Your faithfulness and provision. Amen.
God, we are humbled by Your gracious love and unshakable peace. Please grant us peace as we interact with family and friends and provide opportunities for us to instill unity in our homes and offices. Amen.
O Jesus, Prince of Peace, You alone are holy and deserve all the glory for Your divine love that embodies mercy, grace, and compassion. Help us share that love and kindness with others as we gather together today. Amen.
Lord, we welcome You and Your Holy Spirit at our dinner tables as we gather to break bread, feasting on the fruits of harvest, due only to Your provision. We welcome you into our conversations and ask that you lead and guide us in love and peace. Amen.
Thank you, God. Thank you for Your peace that surpasses all understanding, for the blessings and promises scattered throughout Your Word that reclaim our identity and inheritance we will receive in Your Kingdom. And thank you for the blessing of family and friends that are gathered here today. We lift our grateful hearts to You, God. Amen.
Promises for Grateful Hearts
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on all the promises God gives us as His beloved children. Read, recite, and reflect upon these as a family or in your quiet time.
God promises peace and comfort.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
God promises steadfast love that endures and lasts forever.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
God promises provision and protection.
No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
God promises hope for eternity.
And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Titus 1:2
Table Talk: Conversation Starters for Thanksgiving
Now for some fun and lighthearted dinner conversation starters. Pick and choose a few, or print the whole list out and open up the line of communication. Who knows, maybe you will learn something new about the ones you love and welcome a little laughter into the mix, spurring on that seasonal joy!
So, without further ado, let’s fill your home with lively conversations that will persuade even the most awkward and nervous of talkers to appreciate the value of meaningful and heartfelt interactions.
- What Thanksgiving food could you eat every day and never grow tired of?
- Is there a holiday childhood memory that you wish you could re-live?
- What is your favorite holiday smell and why?
- If you could go back to a holiday in the past, what year would you revisit?
- Who in this room always brings you joy?
- What place in the world do you wish to visit and why?
- If you could invite anyone from the past to join the dinner table, who would it be?
- What is the best gift you have ever received?
- Share about your favorite holiday tradition.
- What qualities do you believe make a good friend?
- Tell us about the last thing you bought that brought you a great deal of joy.
- Fill in the blank: “God has really blessed me this year by _______________.”
- What is one thing you love most about your home, community, or neighbors?
- What is your favorite Christmas song and why?
- What compliment have you received that really made you smile?
- Describe the best trait about the person sitting to your left.
- If you could live anywhere, where would you live, and why?
- What is one way you can share kindness this season?
- Share a positive affirmation with the person to your right.
- If you were given a million dollars today, what would you do with it?
- If you were stuck in an elevator with any person, who would it be and why?
- What simple things during the holidays bring you peace and comfort?
- Describe a time God answered a prayer.
- Who has influenced your life in this current season, and how so?
- What is something you hope to accomplish in the coming year?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic
Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
