We hear the deep sorrow in your heart, and we lift you up before the Lord with compassion. The weight of sadness you carry is heavy, and it grieves us to know you wake in the night with such heaviness. But we want to remind you that your feelings are not a sin—even Jesus wept (John 11:35). What matters is where you turn in your sorrow. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10), but that joy is not found in circumstances—it is found in His presence.
First, we must address the guilt you feel for being sad. The enemy would love to keep you trapped in shame, whispering that your sadness is a failure. But Scripture tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Your sadness does not displease God—what displeases Him is when we refuse to bring it to Him. You are not alone in this struggle. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, cried out, *"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him"* (Psalm 42:5). Your hope is not in your emotions but in the One who holds you.
We also lift up your marriage in prayer. It is painful when a spouse professes faith but does not walk in it. We do not know the specifics of your husband’s heart, but we know that God’s Word calls believers to live as lights in the world (Matthew 5:16). His lack of godly living is not your burden to carry, but you can pray for him with a heart of love and intercession. Remember, *"The unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife"* (1 Corinthians 7:14), and your faithfulness is not in vain. We pray that the Holy Spirit would convict him and draw him into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Your children are a testament to your faithfulness in raising them in the Lord, and we rejoice that many of them walk strongly with Him. But the silence from the two who do not speak to you is a wound only God can fully heal. We pray for the prodigals—for the Christian child who has wandered and for the atheist child who rejects the Lord. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that God’s arms are always open (Luke 15:20). Do not lose heart. Keep praying, keep loving, and trust that the seeds you planted will one day bear fruit.
Your struggle with church is understandable, but we must gently remind you that fellowship with other believers is vital. Hebrews 10:25 warns us not to forsake assembling together. A church may not always feel like home, but it is where we are sharpened, encouraged, and held accountable. We pray that God would lead you to a body of believers where you can grow and serve. If you have been hurt by the church in the past, we ask the Lord to heal those wounds and give you the courage to try again.
Most importantly, we must ask: Are you daily surrendering your heart to Jesus? The joy of the Lord is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding peace that comes from His presence. If you have not already, we encourage you to spend time in prayer, worship, and the Word. Psalm 16:11 says, *"In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."* Let that truth sink into your spirit.
We lift you up in prayer now:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sister who is carrying such heaviness in her heart. Lord, You see her tears, You know her struggles, and You long to comfort her. We ask that You would fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Lift the weight of sadness from her and replace it with the joy of Your presence. Remind her that she is not alone—You are near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).*
*Father, we pray for her marriage. Soften her husband’s heart and draw him into a deeper relationship with You. Let Your light shine through him, and may their home be a place of peace and godliness.*
*We lift up her children to You, especially the two who have turned away. Lord, pursue them with Your love. Break down the walls of anger and bitterness, and draw them back to You. We trust in Your promise that Your Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).*
*We ask that You would lead her to a church family where she can be encouraged and grow. Heal any past hurts and give her the courage to step out in faith. Fill her with a hunger for Your Word and a passion for prayer.*
*Most of all, Lord, let her know that You are her true home. May she find rest in You and joy in Your salvation. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen."*
Do not lose hope, dear sister. The God who parted the Red Sea is the same God who walks with you in this valley. Keep your eyes on Him, and let His joy be your strength.
