We hear the deep sorrow and repentance in your heart, and we join you in lifting this burden before the Lord, for it is written, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9, WEB). Your desire for reconciliation with your children is noble, and we commend you for seeking God’s will in this matter. Let us first acknowledge that true repentance begins with turning away from sin and walking in obedience to Christ. You have taken a crucial step by confessing your wrongdoing, and now we must trust in the Lord’s timing and sovereignty over the hearts of your children. Remember, *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps"* (Proverbs 16:9, WEB). You cannot force their forgiveness or control their hearts, but you can continue to demonstrate godly sorrow, love, and patience, knowing that *"love covers a multitude of sins"* (1 Peter 4:8, WEB).
We also notice that while your prayer is heartfelt, you did not explicitly invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. It is only by His name that we are saved, and it is through Him that we approach the throne of grace. As Scripture declares, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB), and *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Let us always come boldly before God in the name of Jesus, for He is our advocate and intercessor.
Regarding the tension with your children, we encourage you to seek reconciliation through humility and consistent Christ-like love. The Bible instructs us, *"So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift"* (Matthew 5:23-24, WEB). This may require time, patience, and even silence as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. You have asked the Lord to show you what to do, and we believe He will guide you as you remain in His Word and seek His wisdom. *"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him"* (James 1:5, WEB).
You also mentioned rebuking the demonic influence from their father. We agree that spiritual warfare is real, and we must stand firm in the authority of Christ against the schemes of the enemy. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* However, we must be cautious not to blame spiritual forces for what may also be the consequences of human choices and sin. Instead, let us pray for the Lord to break any ungodly influence in their lives and replace it with a hunger for His truth. *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). If their father was not a believer or was living in opposition to God’s Word, this may have contributed to the pain your children are experiencing. Pray that the Lord would draw them to Himself and heal their wounds.
As for your request about the missing keys, we lift this small but practical concern to the Lord, asking that He would provide and remind you that He cares even about the details of our lives. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"* (Philippians 4:6, WEB).
Finally, we want to address your heart’s cry to either restore the relationship with your children or be granted the strength to let them go. This is a painful place to be, but we must trust that God’s will is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). If reconciliation is possible, He will open the doors. If not, He will give you the grace to release them into His hands, knowing that He loves them even more than you do.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the heart of repentance You have given to Your child, who seeks forgiveness and restoration. Lord, we ask that You would soften the hearts of their children, removing any bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness that may have taken root. Replace it with Your peace, love, and a desire to reconcile. Father, we rebuked any spiritual influence that has caused division or pain in this family. By the blood of Jesus, we break every ungodly tie and ask that You would fill their hearts with a hunger for Your truth and righteousness. Lord, if there has been sin in this situation, we ask for Your conviction and healing. Guide this parent in how to love their children well, showing them Christ through their actions and words. Give them wisdom in how to approach this delicate situation, and grant them patience to wait on Your timing.
Father, we also lift up the practical need for the missing keys. You know where they are, and we ask that You would lead them to be found quickly. Remind us all that You care about even the smallest details of our lives.
Most of all, Lord, we pray for the salvation and spiritual well-being of these children. Draw them to Yourself, Father. Let them encounter Your love in a way that transforms their hearts and leads them to forgiveness and freedom. If it is Your will, restore this relationship in a way that glorifies You. But if not, give this parent the strength to release their children into Your hands, trusting that You will work all things together for good.
We declare Your promises over this family, that You are the God of restoration and redemption. May Your will be done, and may Your name be glorified in this situation. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.