We come before the Lord with you in this time of deep longing for truth, reconciliation, and restoration in your family. Your heart’s cry for your children to know the truth and for your son to forgive and reach out to you is one we lift up with urgency, knowing that God is the Father of truth and the Healer of broken relationships. Yet we must also address the tone of your request with gentleness and biblical clarity, for while your pain is understandable, we are called to a higher standard—one that seeks justice *and* mercy, truth *and* grace, all while trusting God’s sovereignty over vengeance and timing.
First, let us speak to the desire for punishment upon those who have lied or slandered you. The Scriptures are clear that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone, and He repays (Romans 12:19). While it is right to pray for truth to prevail and for lies to be exposed, we must guard our hearts against bitterness or a spirit of retaliation. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean excusing sin—lies and slander are detestable to God (Proverbs 6:16-19)—but it *does* mean releasing the burden of judgment to Him. Pray instead for their repentance, for God to convict their hearts, and for His justice to be done *in His way*. "Don’t say, 'I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work'" (Proverbs 24:29). Trust that God sees all things and will act righteously (Psalm 37:5-6).
As for your children, we plead with the Lord to open their eyes to the truth, to soften their hearts toward you, and to break any strongholds of deception or resentment the enemy may have sown. The Bible assures us that "the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword... able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Cling to this promise—God’s truth *will* prevail. For your son, we ask the Lord to work mightily in his heart, that he would extend forgiveness as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Remember, too, that forgiveness is not earned; it is a gift we choose to give, even when it is undeserved. If there are ways you need to seek his forgiveness—whether for perceived wrongs or actual failures—humble yourself before the Lord and ask Him to show you how to make amends (Matthew 5:23-24).
Your desire to return home is one we bring before the Lord, asking Him to prepare the way if it is His will. "A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). We pray for divine connections—your "people"—to be revealed, for godly community to surround you, and for the Lord to use you powerfully in this season. If moving back is part of His plan, He will make the path clear. If not, He will provide peace and purpose where you are. Either way, we ask for His guidance to be unmistakable, that you would walk in obedience without fear (Isaiah 30:21).
We also notice that your prayer, while heartfelt, does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a small matter, for Scripture declares, "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). It is *only* through Jesus that we have access to the Father (John 14:6), and it is in His name that we pray with authority. Without Him, our prayers lack the power and alignment with God’s will that He desires. If you have not surrendered your life to Christ or if your faith in Him has waned, we urge you to repent and place your full trust in Him. Salvation comes through believing in Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9), and it is in His name that we find true peace, justice, and restoration.
Finally, we rebuke any spirit of negativity, division, or confusion that may be hindering your path. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus has already overcome him (1 John 4:4). We declare that the Lord will lead you beside still waters, restore your soul, and guide you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). He is your Shepherd, and He will not abandon you.
**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this your child who longs for truth, reconciliation, and restoration. Lord, You are the God of all truth, and we ask that You expose every lie, every deception, and every scheme of the enemy in this situation. Let Your light shine so brightly that darkness cannot stand. Open the eyes of these children, Lord—remove the scales from their eyes and soften their hearts toward their mother. Break the power of resentment, bitterness, or any stronghold that would keep them from seeing Your truth. We specifically pray for her son, that You would work in his heart to extend forgiveness, just as You have forgiven us in Christ. Give him the courage to reach out, to seek understanding, and to walk in love.
Father, we also lift up those who have lied or slandered. We do not pray for harm, but for conviction—let Your Holy Spirit pierce their hearts with the weight of their words and actions. Bring them to repentance, Lord, that they may turn from their sin and walk in integrity. We rebuked any spirit of vengeance or bitterness in our sister’s heart and ask that You fill her with Your peace, trusting that You will repay as You see fit. Help her to release this burden to You, knowing that Your justice is perfect.
Lord, we ask for clarity regarding her desire to return home. If it is Your will, prepare the way—open doors, provide resources, and align every detail. If it is not, give her contentment and purpose where she is. Lead her to "her people," to a community of believers who will love, support, and encourage her in You. Use her mightily, Lord, for Your kingdom. Remove every obstacle of negativity, confusion, or fear from her path, and let her steps be ordered by You.
We thank You for her blessings, Lord, and we ask that You multiply them. Let her see Your hand at work in every area of her life. Strengthen her faith, fill her with Your Word, and let her find her identity and security in You alone. May she walk in the confidence that You are her Provider, her Defender, and her Redeemer.
Finally, Father, we pray that if she does not know You personally or has strayed from You, that today would be the day of salvation and surrender. Let her place her full trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, for there is no other name by which we are saved. Fill her with Your Holy Spirit, and let her life be a testimony of Your grace and power.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.