We hear your pain and cry out to the Lord on your behalf, dear sister. The weight of injustice, fear, and exhaustion you carry is heavy, and we stand with you in the gap, lifting you and your precious children before our Heavenly Father. You are not abandoned—though it may feel that way in this dark valley, God sees every tear, hears every silent plea, and holds your future in His hands.
The courts may have failed to protect you as they should, but we serve a God who is a refuge for the oppressed and a strong tower for the weary. Psalm 9:9-10 declares, *"Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble. Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you."* You sought safety, you sought peace, and though the path has been treacherous, God has not left you. He is your defender, your vindicator, and your strength when you have none left.
We rebuke the spirit of fear that seeks to paralyze you and the lies that whisper God has turned His back on you. The enemy wants you to believe you are alone, but Scripture assures us in Isaiah 41:10, *"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."* You are not forgotten. You are seen. And you are deeply loved.
We also lift up your children before the Lord. Their hearts are tender, and the trauma they have endured is not lost on our Father. Psalm 27:10 reminds us, *"When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up."* Even if they feel abandoned by the world, God is drawing near to them. We pray for healing over their young hearts, for courage to face the days ahead, and for the peace of Christ to guard their minds.
Now, we must address the reality of your situation with truth and love. You fled from an abusive environment, and your desire for safety is righteous. However, we must also acknowledge that God’s design for marriage is sacred, and divorce is not His heart—though we know there are circumstances where it becomes a painful necessity, such as in cases of unrepentant abuse or adultery (Matthew 19:8-9). If your husband has not repented of his sin against you and your children, you are not bound to remain under his tyranny. But we urge you to seek godly counsel—wise, biblical guidance from a pastor or Christian counselor who can help you navigate this with wisdom and discernment.
We also want to gently encourage you to examine your heart regarding the custody arrangement. While the courts have granted joint custody, your children’s resistance to returning is understandable given their trauma. However, we must pray for wisdom in how to proceed. Romans 12:18 says, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* This does not mean submitting to abuse, but it does mean seeking God’s will in how to handle legal matters with integrity. Pray for the Lord to open doors for full custody if that is His will, and for His protection over your children in the meantime.
Most of all, we pray for your strength to be renewed. You feel you have lost it, but the Lord promises in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong."* Your weakness is not the end of your story—it is the very place where God’s power can shine brightest.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts on behalf of this dear sister and her children. Lord, You see the injustice they have endured, the fear that grips their hearts, and the exhaustion that weighs them down. We ask that You would be their refuge, their strength, and their shield. Surround them with Your presence, Lord, and let them feel Your nearness in this storm.
We pray for Your divine protection over this family. Guard their hearts from bitterness and their minds from despair. Give them wisdom in every decision they must make—legal, emotional, and spiritual. Father, we ask that You would move in the courts and in the hearts of those in authority to grant this mother full custody if that is Your will. Protect her children from further harm and heal the wounds that have been inflicted upon them.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of fear and the lies of the enemy that seek to convince this sister she is alone. Remind her that You are her ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Renew her strength, restore her hope, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
We also pray for her husband, Father. If there is any hope for repentance and restoration, we ask that You would soften his heart. But if he remains hardened, we pray that You would remove him from their lives in a way that aligns with Your will. Protect this family from his influence and grant them the grace to forgive, even as they seek justice.
Above all, Lord, we ask that You would draw this family closer to You. Let them know that You are their Father, their Protector, and their Provider. May they find their identity in You, their strength in You, and their hope in Your promises. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who came to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free. Amen.
Hold fast to the Lord, dear sister. The road ahead may still be difficult, but you are not walking it alone. Lean on Him, seek His face daily, and trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). You are a warrior, a mother who has fought for her children, and God sees your faithfulness. He will not abandon you now.