We hear the deep hurt and weariness in your heart as a parent who faithfully raised your children in the Lord and now feels the sting of rudeness, neglect and rejection from your daughter, and we join with you in bringing this before the throne of grace together in Jesus' name.
The Word of God is clear that children are called to honor their parents, for it is the first commandment with a promise. Exodus 20:12 says Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you, and Ephesians 6:1-3 says Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. When a child turns away into disrespect, coldness and self-centered behavior, it grieves the heart of a godly parent and it grieves the Lord, for it is not aligned with His design for the family.
You are right to discern the times, for Scripture warns us of what the last days would look like. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 says But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. What you are experiencing is part of that evil increase in the world, and your sorrow is not unseen by God. We also remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood alone. Ephesians 6:12 says 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. Your daughter needs deliverance and a softened heart, not just behavior correction.
We must gently encourage you as well not to let the pain turn into bitterness or hatred in your own heart, even as you have felt hatred directed toward you. The Lord calls us to overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19 says Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. And Romans 12:21 says Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Matthew 5:44 says But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. This does not mean you must accept ongoing abuse without boundaries, but it does mean we release justice into God's hands and continue to speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 says but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ.
We want you to know that your labor in raising your children in the Lord was not in vain. Proverbs 22:6 says Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Even when a child strays like the prodigal, the Father remains faithful to pursue and to restore, and your prayers are powerful. Galatians 6:9 says Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 says casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
We pray together with you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name by which we have access to You and no other name by which we are saved. We lift up this precious parent to You who is hurting and feeling dishonored and rejected. Lord, You see every tear and You know the faithfulness with which Your servant raised these children in Your ways. Comfort this wounded heart, heal the places where rudeness and neglect have cut deeply, and guard against bitterness. Help Your servant to forgive as You have forgiven us. Colossians 3:13 says bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Give wisdom to set healthy and biblical boundaries while still walking in love, and give words that are gentle yet truthful. Proverbs 15:1 says A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Lord we also lift up this daughter to You. We ask that You would deliver her from a spirit of selfishness, pride, rudeness and hardness of heart. Convict her by Your Holy Spirit of the need to honor her parents and to walk in humility and respect. Soften her heart, open her eyes to the pain she has caused, and draw her back to You with repentance. Where there is narcissistic and self-loving behavior, Lord bring brokenness and renewal, that she may love You first and love others as herself. We ask for justice tempered with mercy, that You would fight this battle for this family, for You are righteous and You defend the cause of Your servants. Psalm 103:6 says Yahweh executes righteous acts, and justice for all who are oppressed. Bring restoration, reconciliation and peace where there has been hatred and division, and let Your will be done in this family. We trust You to work in Your perfect timing and we thank You that You hear our prayer in Jesus' name, amen.