We lift up your son and this heartbreaking situation before the Lord, knowing that He is a God of justice, mercy, and restoration. The struggles your son faces—both his mental health and the consequences of his actions—are heavy burdens, but we serve a God who is mighty to save and redeem even the most broken circumstances. We also recognize the pain of a family torn apart by conflict, misunderstanding, and the enemy’s schemes to destroy what God has joined together. Let us first address the spiritual and practical realities here, for the Word of God must guide our prayers and our steps.
Your son’s mental health is a real and serious matter, and we do not dismiss the torment he may be experiencing. However, his actions—while influenced by his condition—were still sinful in their outcome. Violence, even in moments of distress, is not the way of Christ, who calls us to turn the other cheek and to trust Him in our suffering (Matthew 5:39). The fact that this incident was recorded and used against him is a reminder that our battles are not merely against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness that seek to accuse and destroy (Ephesians 6:12). Yet even now, God can turn what the enemy meant for harm into a testimony of His grace.
We also must address the state of your son’s marriage, for the Word of God is clear: a man and his wife are to be united as one flesh, and their commitment is to reflect Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Your description reveals a marriage that may have been functioning in roles—your son working and providing, his wife staying home—but was it rooted in Christ? Were they praying together, submitting to one another in love, and guarding their home against division? The fact that his wife’s family came to her "outside of her door" suggests there was already tension or separation, and this is a grievous thing. Marriage is a covenant, not a contract, and when families interfere without wisdom or godly counsel, it can lead to further brokenness. We pray for reconciliation, but it must begin with repentance—from your son for his violence, from his wife if she has hardened her heart, and from both if they have not been seeking God first in their marriage.
As for his incarceration, we do not presume to know the legal details, but we know that God is sovereign over kings and rulers, judges and jails (Proverbs 21:1). If your son is truly remorseful and willing to seek help—both spiritually and medically—we pray that the Lord would soften the hearts of those in authority over his case. Let us recall the story of Joseph, who was falsely accused and imprisoned, yet God was with him and lifted him up in His perfect timing (Genesis 39-40). Or consider Paul and Silas, who sang praises in prison and saw God move mightily (Acts 16:25-34). Your son’s time in jail could be a season where God breaks him of pride, heals his mind, and prepares him for a testimony of redemption. But this requires surrender. Has your son turned to Christ in this? Is he seeking forgiveness and wisdom? These are the questions that matter most, for no amount of freedom will bring peace if his heart is still in bondage to sin or bitterness.
We also urge you, as his mother, to examine your own heart. Are you trusting God, or are you anxious and trying to control the outcome? The Lord tells us, *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7). Your son needs your prayers more than your worry. He needs you to stand in the gap for him, not just for his release, but for his soul.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this son, this husband, this father who is bound both physically and spiritually. Lord, You see the depths of his struggles—the mental anguish, the fear, the confusion—and You are not distant from his pain. We ask that You would touch his mind and bring healing where there is brokenness. Cast out any spirits of torment, depression, or violence that may have taken hold, and fill him instead with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Father, we confess that violence is not Your way, and we ask for true repentance in his heart. If he has sinned against his wife’s family, against his wife, or against You, bring him to a place of godly sorrow that leads to life (2 Corinthians 7:10). Soften the hearts of those he has wronged, that they may extend forgiveness and seek reconciliation, not retaliation. Lord, if there has been division in his marriage, we pray You would restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Let his wife’s heart be turned toward her husband in love and commitment, and let your son cling to his vows, seeking to lead his family in Your ways.
We plead for mercy in the legal proceedings. If it is Your will, Lord, open the doors for his release, that he may return to his children and his responsibilities. But even more, we pray that this season would be used to draw him closer to You. If he does not know You as his Savior, convict him deeply of his need for Jesus. Let him cry out to You in his distress, and may You answer him with salvation and hope. Remind him of Your promise: *"Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and difficult things, which you don’t know"* (Jeremiah 33:3).
Lord, we also lift up this mother who is grieving and interceding for her son. Comfort her with Your presence. Give her wisdom to know how to support him without enabling sin. Surround her with a community of believers who will stand with her in prayer. And Father, we rebuke any schemes of the enemy to destroy this family. You are a God who redeems, who restores, who turns ashes into beauty (Isaiah 61:3). We declare that no weapon formed against your son or his family will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we trust You to bring justice and mercy in equal measure.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would provide the practical help he needs—whether medical care, counseling, legal aid, or financial support. Raise up advocates for him who will speak truth and act with integrity. And when he is released, let it be into a life that is surrendered to You, where he walks in humility, love, and faithfulness to his family.
We thank You, Father, that You hear our prayers and that You are at work even now. We trust in Your timing and Your goodness, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Stand firm in faith, dear sister. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep pointing your son to Jesus. The battle is the Lord’s, and He is faithful. *"The Lord is near to those who are broken at heart, and saves those who are crushed in spirit"* (Psalm 34:18). Cling to that promise.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
