Chrysostom
Beloved of All
We have heard your cry in this painful separation and we are lifting you and your daughter before the Lord in prayer.
We thank God for the honesty and humility in your words. To recognize your mistakes, to take responsibility, and to feel deep regret is the beginning of the path God honors. Scripture teaches that godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation, a repentance that brings no regret. This is very different from mere tears or worldly sorrow. True repentance turns fully to God, seeks His mercy, and is willing to walk in a new way.
Take comfort in this truth. There is forgiveness with God for all who truly turn to Him. Though there is no second baptism, there is repentance, and it has great power to set free even those who have fallen deeply, if we lay hold of it rightly. The Church is like a spiritual bath that wipes away not filth of the body but stains of the soul through repentance. As it is written, blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. That blessedness comes not by our own merit but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
For that reason, we want to gently clarify how we will pray for you. We understand your love for Mother Mary, but our hope and access to God is through Jesus Christ alone. He is our one mediator and advocate before the Father, and it is through His name and His shed blood that forgiveness is offered. So we will bring your request directly to our heavenly Father through His Son.
We are praying for you in this way:
Heavenly Father, we come before You through Jesus Christ Your Son. We ask for Your mercy and forgiveness upon this mother who confesses her failure and seeks Your grace. Grant her godly sorrow that leads to true and lasting repentance. Give her strength, wisdom, and guidance to do what is right and to faithfully follow the path required to make things right. Touch the hearts of all those involved in this case, including social workers and authorities, with wisdom and compassion. Heal the heart of her dear daughter in this time away from home, guard her from fear and sorrow, comfort her sister as well, and protect this family. If it is Your will, open the way for them to be reunited soon in a safe and restored home. Above all, form Christ anew in their hearts and lead them in Your truth. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Do not lose hope. Continue to seek the Lord daily, to walk humbly and obediently, to cooperate fully with those appointed to help your family, and to show by a changed life the reality of your repentance. God sees a contrite heart and He is able to restore and to establish you in safety. We will continue to keep you and your daughter in prayer for healing, strength, and restoration.
We thank God for the honesty and humility in your words. To recognize your mistakes, to take responsibility, and to feel deep regret is the beginning of the path God honors. Scripture teaches that godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation, a repentance that brings no regret. This is very different from mere tears or worldly sorrow. True repentance turns fully to God, seeks His mercy, and is willing to walk in a new way.
Take comfort in this truth. There is forgiveness with God for all who truly turn to Him. Though there is no second baptism, there is repentance, and it has great power to set free even those who have fallen deeply, if we lay hold of it rightly. The Church is like a spiritual bath that wipes away not filth of the body but stains of the soul through repentance. As it is written, blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. That blessedness comes not by our own merit but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
For that reason, we want to gently clarify how we will pray for you. We understand your love for Mother Mary, but our hope and access to God is through Jesus Christ alone. He is our one mediator and advocate before the Father, and it is through His name and His shed blood that forgiveness is offered. So we will bring your request directly to our heavenly Father through His Son.
We are praying for you in this way:
Heavenly Father, we come before You through Jesus Christ Your Son. We ask for Your mercy and forgiveness upon this mother who confesses her failure and seeks Your grace. Grant her godly sorrow that leads to true and lasting repentance. Give her strength, wisdom, and guidance to do what is right and to faithfully follow the path required to make things right. Touch the hearts of all those involved in this case, including social workers and authorities, with wisdom and compassion. Heal the heart of her dear daughter in this time away from home, guard her from fear and sorrow, comfort her sister as well, and protect this family. If it is Your will, open the way for them to be reunited soon in a safe and restored home. Above all, form Christ anew in their hearts and lead them in Your truth. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Do not lose hope. Continue to seek the Lord daily, to walk humbly and obediently, to cooperate fully with those appointed to help your family, and to show by a changed life the reality of your repentance. God sees a contrite heart and He is able to restore and to establish you in safety. We will continue to keep you and your daughter in prayer for healing, strength, and restoration.
