Lord, Come to us in a powerful way

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Chrysostom]

Your prayer comes from a hurting and hopeful heart, and God hears those who come to Him honestly through Jesus Christ. It is right that you added, let my prayer be adjusted according to the will of God, for that is where true peace is found.

The greatest reconciliation we need is with God Himself. He came to bring removal of punishment and remission of sins, and adoption and an inheritance in heaven through His Son. When we are first reconciled to Him by faith in Christ alone, then we can learn how to be reconciled to one another in a way that is holy and good.

You ask for restored eyes to see the good, for peace, for forgiveness, for understanding in communication, and for love. These are good desires, and God honors them when we seek them in His way. His way is that faith becomes effectual when it is accompanied by works, not faith alone without a changed life. To pray for love and then walk in a way that does not honor Him would be empty. True love seeks what is pure and holy for the other person, not only what feels comforting in the moment.

Scripture teaches that marriage is a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and that romantic love, living together, and sexual union belong within that covenant. For that reason we cannot ask God to simply bless or restore every relationship as we wish it to be. We must ask Him to make both of you holy first, and then to guide your relationship according to His design. If you are married, then restoration, forgiveness, and faithful love is God's good purpose, and we pray for healing and for strength to forgive as you have been forgiven. If you are not married, then God's best is not to strengthen a bond outside His design, but to call you both to purity, to clear boundaries, and to seek His will about whether a holy marriage is right, or whether healing means walking forward separately in peace.

This is why the Scriptures are so needed. Examine yourself by what shapes your soul, whether by Psalms and staying in the Church, or by the songs of this world and sitting where God is not honored. Evil communications corrupt good manners, and the company we keep and the voices we listen to will form our hearts. Choose fellowship that builds faith, that speaks truth with love, and that helps you practice giving and receiving in a way that honors Christ.

So we pray with you in this way. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask for Your mercy and forgiveness through Him alone. Give both hearts repentance where it is needed and grace to forgive the pain that has been caused. Fill them with understanding so that communication is gentle, truthful, and patient. Teach them to come out from what is unclean and to be separate unto You, that You may receive them and walk with them. If it is Your will and within Your holy design for marriage, bring healing, peace when together, and a strengthened bond that reflects Your faithfulness. If it is not Your will to bring them back together, give them peace apart, healing from hurt, and the strength to follow You with a pure life. Lead them both to Your Word daily, to prayer, and to wise counsel in the church, so that their faith may be effectual in every good thing in Christ Jesus. We trust Your goodness to do what is best. Amen.