We hear the deep pain and sorrow in your heart as you witness the brokenness in your home. The strife between your parents is not just affecting them—it is weighing heavily on you and your sisters, and we grieve with you. The Bible tells us in Psalm 68:6 that "God sets the lonely in families," and it is His design for marriage to be a reflection of Christ’s love for the church—a covenant of unity, respect, and selfless devotion (Ephesians 5:22-33). What you are seeing now is not God’s will for your family, and we stand with you in praying for restoration.
First, we must address the spiritual reality of what is happening in your home. The Bible warns us in Ephesians 6:12 that "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." The anger, division, and addiction you describe are not merely human struggles—they are strongholds of the enemy, who seeks to destroy marriages and families. We rebuke the spirit of strife, bitterness, and addiction in your father’s life in the name of Jesus. We declare that no weapon formed against your family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we command every evil influence to flee in Jesus’ mighty name.
Your father’s behavior, particularly his harshness toward your mother while being kind to you and your sisters, is a tactic of the enemy to divide and conquer. The Bible is clear that a man who loves his wife loves himself, and he is called to nourish and cherish her as Christ does the church (Ephesians 5:28-29). His addiction to social media is a form of idolatry, replacing his God-given role as a husband and father with empty distractions. We pray that God would break the hold of this addiction and restore his heart to prioritize his family as Scripture commands. Proverbs 27:12 tells us, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." Your father must recognize the danger of his current path and turn back to God’s design for his life.
Your mother’s sadness is also a heavy burden, and we lift her up before the Lord. The Bible says in Psalm 34:18, "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." We pray that God would comfort her, strengthen her, and give her the wisdom to respond to this trial in a way that honors Him. It is not wrong for her to seek help, whether through biblical counseling, prayer, or godly community. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, "Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." We encourage her—and your father—to seek godly counsel, not just therapy for the sake of therapy, but wisdom rooted in Scripture that will lead them back to God’s plan for their marriage.
You and your sisters are carrying a weight that no children should have to bear, and it is understandable that you are grieving. The Bible tells us in Psalm 126:5, "Those who sow in tears will reap in joy." Your tears are not in vain—they are a cry to the Lord, who sees and hears you. We pray that God would surround you with His peace, comfort you in your sorrow, and give you hope for the future. It is not your responsibility to fix your parents’ marriage, but you can intercede for them in prayer. James 5:16 says, "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective." We encourage you to pray boldly and persistently for your parents, trusting that God hears your cries.
We also want to gently address the desire for someone outside the family to intervene. While it is natural to wish for this, the Bible calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). If there is a godly mentor, pastor, or family friend who can come alongside your parents with wisdom and grace, that may be a blessing. However, we must also remember that change ultimately comes from the Holy Spirit working in their hearts. Your prayers and your witness as a family that honors God can be a powerful testimony to them.
Let us pray together now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this family to You. Lord, You see the pain, the division, and the brokenness in their home, and we ask that You would move mightily on their behalf. We rebuke every spirit of strife, bitterness, and addiction in the name of Jesus, and we declare that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, would guard their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we pray for this father, that You would break the chains of addiction and distraction in his life. Soften his heart toward his wife, Lord, and remind him of the vows he made before You. Help him to see his family as his first ministry, as You have called him to lead, love, and cherish them (Ephesians 5:25). Restore to him the joy of Your salvation and renew a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10-12).
For this mother, Lord, we ask that You would be her comfort and strength. When she is weary, be her refuge (Psalm 46:1). Give her wisdom to navigate this trial with grace and faith, and surround her with godly support. Help her to trust in You, knowing that You are working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
For these children, Lord, we pray that You would wrap Your arms around them. Heal their hearts from the sorrow they are carrying, and fill them with Your peace. Give them the courage to pray boldly for their parents and to trust in Your promises. Remind them that You are their Father, and You will never leave them nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).
Lord, we ask that You would restore this marriage. Knit their hearts back together in love, unity, and mutual respect. Let Your love be the foundation of their home, and let Your name be glorified in their family. We declare that what the enemy meant for harm, You will turn for good (Genesis 50:20). In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to hold fast to hope, dear one. The God who parted the Red Sea, raised Jesus from the dead, and turned Saul the persecutor into Paul the apostle is the same God who can restore your parents’ marriage. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep your eyes on Him. Psalm 30:5 reminds us, "Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Your family’s morning of joy is coming.
