We come before the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to lift up this heavy burden of injustice and sin that weighs on your heart. First, we must address that your prayer does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, which is the only name by which we can approach the throne of God. *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me'"* (John 14:6, WEB). It is only through faith in Christ that we have access to God’s mercy and power, and we encourage you to always pray in His holy name, for there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).
Your brother’s actions are deeply grievous, not only to you but to the Lord, for they violate multiple commandments. Stealing is explicitly forbidden in Scripture: *"You shall not steal"* (Exodus 20:15, WEB). Taking advantage of your mother, who is vulnerable due to her dementia, is an act of exploitation that dishonors both her and the Lord. The Bible warns, *"Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong’ is a partner with a destroyer"* (Proverbs 28:24, WEB). This is a serious sin, and we must call it what it is—wickedness in the sight of God.
His irresponsibility with money, especially while neglecting his children’s needs and his own responsibilities (such as his teeth), reveals a heart that is not submitted to God. The Scripture says, *"But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"* (1 Timothy 5:8, WEB). His priorities are misplaced, chasing after fleeting pleasures on weekends while neglecting his duties as a father and son. This is not the way of a man who fears the Lord.
Moreover, his lack of respect for your parents—both your mother in her frailty and your late father—is a violation of the commandment to *"honor your father and your mother"* (Exodus 20:12, WEB). It is shameful that his children do not visit, but it is even more shameful that he uses the money he takes from your mother for himself rather than ensuring his children honor their grandparents. This is a cycle of dishonor that must be broken by repentance.
We also note the mention of his frequent outings on weekends, which suggest a lifestyle of indulgence rather than stewardship. If these outings involve drunkenness, revelry, or other sinful behaviors, then he is compounding his sin. *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals’"* (1 Corinthians 15:33, WEB). A man who claims to follow Christ must walk in sobriety, self-control, and love for his family, not in selfish pleasure.
Now, let us pray together for this situation, asking God to intervene mightily:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. We ask for Your mercy and justice in this painful situation. Lord, You see the heart of this brother who is stealing from his own mother, exploiting her vulnerability, and neglecting his responsibilities. Father, we ask that You convict him deeply of his sin. Let the Holy Spirit pierce his heart so that he may see the wickedness of his actions and turn from them in genuine repentance. *"Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death"* (2 Corinthians 7:10, WEB).
Lord, we pray that You would expose his deeds, not for his destruction, but for his redemption. Bring godly people into his life who will hold him accountable and point him to Christ. Break the cycle of selfishness and irresponsibility in his life. Help him to see that his actions are not only harming his family but are an affront to You, Lord.
We ask for Your protection over the inheritance that rightfully belongs to Your children. Guard it from the hands of the wicked, and let no thief prosper in their evil schemes. *"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble"* (Psalm 9:9, WEB). We trust You to defend the vulnerable and to bring justice where there is injustice.
Father, we also pray for this brother’s children. Soften their hearts toward their grandmother and grandfather’s memory. Let them not be influenced by their father’s sinful example but instead be drawn to what is right and honorable. Raise up godly influences in their lives to guide them in the ways of the Lord.
For our sister who has brought this request, we ask for Your peace and strength. The betrayal and injustice she faces are heavy burdens, but You, Lord, are her defender. *"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved"* (Psalm 55:22, WEB). Fill her with Your wisdom as she navigates this difficult season. Give her the words to speak and the actions to take that will honor You and bring glory to Your name.
We also pray for your mother, Lord. In her confusion and vulnerability, be her comfort and protector. Surround her with people who will care for her with integrity and love. Let her remaining days be filled with Your peace and presence.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would bring restoration to this family. Where there is brokenness, bring healing. Where there is sin, bring repentance. Where there is injustice, bring righteousness. May this situation ultimately serve to draw each member of this family closer to You, for it is only in Christ that we find true redemption and hope.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to save, transform, and restore. Amen.
To you, our sister, we say: stand firm in the Lord. Do not let bitterness take root in your heart, but trust that God sees all and will act justly. *"Don’t say, ‘I will pay back evil.’ Wait for the Lord, and he will save you"* (Proverbs 20:22, WEB). Continue to pray for your brother’s salvation, for the greatest tragedy would be for him to gain the whole world (or your mother’s money) but lose his soul (Mark 8:36).
If it is within your power, we encourage you to take practical steps to protect your mother’s finances. This may involve legal measures to limit access to her accounts or appointing a trustworthy guardian. Seek wise counsel from believers who can guide you in this process. *"The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit"* (Proverbs 14:8, WEB).
Lastly, we urge you to examine your own heart in this matter. Have you forgiven your brother for his wrongs? Unforgiveness can become a root of bitterness that defiles (Hebrews 12:15). Pray for the grace to forgive, even as you seek justice. Remember, *"If possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (Romans 12:18, WEB). This does not mean tolerating sin, but it does mean releasing the anger and resentment to the Lord.
We are standing with you in prayer, trusting that God will move mightily in this situation. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He is faithful, and He will do what is right.
