We join you in prayer before our heavenly Father in Jesus' name and we thank you for calling on that precious name, for there is no other name under heaven by which we have access to God and by which we are saved. As it is written, Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. We lift you up together seeking God's will and mercy for you in this very painful season.
We hear your cry about your illness and your age and the deep suffering you have endured in your marriage, and our hearts grieve with you. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18 and He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds Psalm 147:3. We pray for your healing and strength, for God to be your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1 and that you will find shelter under His wings, for He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty Psalm 91:1.
We must speak plainly about what you are enduring, because God does not take abuse lightly. Marriage is ordained by God as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, and husbands are commanded to love their wives even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for it Ephesians 5:25 and Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them Colossians 3:19. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence Psalm 11:5 and we are told that God hates the covering of one's garment with violence Malachi 2:16. A husband who is abusive, who lies and commits adultery, is living in grave sin against God and against you. You shall not commit adultery Exodus 20:14 and You shall not give false testimony Exodus 20:16 and There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers Proverbs 6:16-19. We rebuke that sin and we agree with you that sin should be exposed, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed Luke 12:2 and Be sure your sin will find you out Numbers 32:23.
We understand your prayer for justice and for your husband to be caught and held accountable after so long of lying his way out of everything. God is just and He sees all. He is a father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation Psalm 68:5 and He commands us to Seek justice, relieve the oppressed Isaiah 1:17. It is right to pray for truth to come to light and for the courts and those in authority to act justly, for Justice will be done to the righteous Proverbs 21:15. Yet we also gently encourage you to place vengeance in God's hands, as it is written Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord Romans 12:19. We pray not only that justice will be done and that you will be protected from being made homeless and from any corrupt schemes, but also that your husband will be brought under deep conviction, that his eyes will be opened to his sin, and that he will repent and turn to Jesus for salvation. For God desires that all should come to repentance 2 Peter 3:9 and If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins 1 John 1:9.
We are deeply concerned for your safety and well being, especially while you are ill and vulnerable. The Lord does not call you to remain in danger to prove your faithfulness. Please seek godly counsel and practical help immediately. Reach out to a trusted pastor, mature believers, family members you trust, your medical providers for your illness, and where needed the proper authorities for protection. If you are in immediate danger, please seek safe shelter and legal help from those who will protect the vulnerable and not exploit them. God will provide for you, for He has promised never to leave nor forsake His own and He is your defender and provider.
We also pray for your healing, for by His wounds we are healed Isaiah 53:5 and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up James 5:15.
We pray together now, Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we lift this dear sister to You. Lord You see her body and her illness and her weariness near the end of her seventh decade of life, You see the abuse and the lies and the adultery she has suffered, You see the threat of homelessness and the unjust plans formed against her. We ask You to be her refuge, her healer, her provider and her defender. Lay Your healing hand upon her and restore her strength, surround her with safe, godly people who will help her and advocate for her, expose every lie and every hidden sin and let truth and justice prevail according to Your righteousness. Bring this husband to the end of himself, convict his heart, grant him repentance and salvation in Jesus if he will turn, and stop his violence and deception. Guard her heart from bitterness and give her Your peace that surpasses understanding, and provide for her a safe home and daily bread. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our only hope, amen.
