We hear your heart’s cry, and we join with you in lifting these burdens before the Lord. The pain of past wounds, the longing for reconciliation with your children, and the weight of things beyond your control are heavy to carry alone. But Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7, *"Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you."* You are not forgotten, and your desire to be seen, accepted, and to nurture your children in love is honorable before God.
First, we must address the reality of sin and forgiveness. You ask for forgiveness, and we know that God is faithful to cleanse us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). But forgiveness is not just about receiving it—it’s also about extending it. If there are those who have wronged you, including the one you referred to as "###," we must rebuke the bitterness and resentment that can take root in our hearts. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* This is not easy, but it is necessary for your healing and for the healing of your family.
Your children’s bitterness and resentment are not yours to control, but you can model Christ’s love and humility before them. Romans 12:18 says, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* You cannot force their hearts to change, but you can pray for them and demonstrate the love of Christ in your actions. Pray that God softens their hearts and opens their eyes to the truth—not just the truth of what you endured, but the truth of who you are in Christ and who they are called to be as well.
We also want to gently address the mention of your "relationship" with your children. If there are patterns of sin or dysfunction in your past that have contributed to their pain, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and repentance. Proverbs 28:13 says, *"He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."* Your children need to see a parent who is committed to walking in truth and righteousness, not just one who desires their acceptance.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of this dear one who is seeking Your peace and healing. Lord, You see the wounds of the past, the longing for reconciliation, and the weight of things beyond their control. We ask that You would comfort them with Your presence and remind them that You are near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Father, we pray for forgiveness—for them to receive Your forgiveness and to extend it to others, even those who have hurt them deeply. Soften their heart to release bitterness and resentment, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Lord, we lift up their children to You. We ask that You would break the chains of bitterness in their hearts and open their eyes to see their parent through Your love. Heal the wounds of the past, and restore what has been broken. Give this parent wisdom and patience as they seek to rebuild trust and demonstrate Your love to their children. Help them to model humility, grace, and truth, so that their children may see Christ in them.
Father, we also pray against the influence of the enemy in this situation. We rebuke any spirit of division, strife, or unforgiveness that seeks to destroy this family. We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we ask that You would turn their mourning into joy and their sorrow into hope (Jeremiah 31:13). Help them to surrender the things beyond their control into Your hands, trusting that You work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28).
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would strengthen their faith and remind them that their identity is found in You alone. May they find their worth and acceptance in Christ, knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We pray that their children would come to know You as their Savior and that this family would be united in Your love and purpose. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to cling to God’s promises and to seek His face daily. Surrender your worries to Him, and trust that He is working even when you cannot see it. If there are areas where you need to repent or make amends, do so with humility and a heart for reconciliation. And remember, your children’s healing and acceptance of you may take time, but God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you and in them (Philippians 1:6). Keep praying, keep loving, and keep trusting in Him.
