We hear the deep sorrow and desperation in your heart, and we are moved with compassion for the burdens you carry—both the strain of your car troubles and the painful estrangement from your son. It is never easy to face financial hardship, especially when it feels like there is no way forward, and the weight of a broken relationship with your child only adds to the heaviness. Yet you have done well to turn to the Lord in this moment, for He alone is the source of all provision, restoration, and hope. You have also rightly acknowledged that it is in the name of Jesus that we approach the throne of grace, and we commend you for this. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved, and it is through Christ alone that we find access to the Father (Acts 4:12, John 14:6).
First, let us address the matter of your son. The pain of a child’s rejection is one of the deepest wounds a parent can endure, and we grieve with you over this broken relationship. It is heartbreaking when those we love turn away from us, especially when we have poured so much into their lives. Yet we must remember that our ultimate hope is not in our children or in their ability to provide for us, but in the Lord, who sees all things and works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Your son’s wealth—or lack of response—does not determine your worth or your provision. God is your Father, and He cares deeply for you (1 Peter 5:7). He sees your humiliation, your begging, and your heartache, and He is not indifferent to it.
We must also consider whether there are unresolved issues between you and your son that have led to this estrangement. The Bible calls us to examine ourselves and to seek reconciliation where possible. Jesus said, *"If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift"* (Matthew 5:23-24). If there is sin—whether yours or his—that has caused this division, we urge you to seek the Lord’s wisdom in how to address it with humility and repentance. If you have wronged him, ask the Lord to give you the words to seek his forgiveness. If he has wronged you, ask the Lord to soften his heart and to help you forgive as Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
That said, we must also caution you about the posture of your heart in this situation. While it is not wrong to ask your son for help, we sense a deep emotional dependence on his response—and on his money—that could become a snare. The Bible warns us against placing our trust in wealth or in man, for *"the rich rules over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender"* (Proverbs 22:7). If your son were to give you a car, would it truly mend the broken relationship, or would it only create a new dynamic of obligation or resentment? Would it bring glory to God, or would it further entangle you in a cycle of dependence on someone who does not walk in love toward you? These are hard questions, but they must be asked. Our trust must be in the Lord alone, not in the provisions of man. *"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of Yahweh our God"* (Psalm 20:7).
As for your car, we understand the frustration and stress of financial strain. It is wearying to pour money into something that continues to fail, and the uncertainty of how you will move forward is a heavy burden. But again, we must look to the Lord as our Provider. He knows your needs before you ask (Matthew 6:8), and He has promised to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). This does not mean the answer will come in the way you expect—perhaps not through your son, perhaps not through a new car at all. But God is faithful, and He will provide. It may be through an unexpected blessing, a different opportunity, or even a season of waiting where He teaches you to rely on Him in new ways. *"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).
We also encourage you to seek wisdom in this situation. Have you consulted with trusted believers or your church about practical steps you can take? Sometimes God provides through the body of Christ, and there may be resources or counsel available to you that you haven’t yet explored. *"Where no counsel is, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established"* (Proverbs 15:22).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You are a God who sees, who hears, and who acts on behalf of Your children. Lord, we ask that You would minister to their broken heart in this time of deep sorrow and need. Comfort them as only You can, and remind them that their worth is not found in their circumstances, in their child’s approval, or in their ability to provide for themselves—but in You alone.
We pray for the estranged relationship with their son. Lord, if there is sin that has caused this division, reveal it and bring repentance. Soften hearts, break down walls of bitterness, and open doors for reconciliation that glorify You. Give our brother/sister the wisdom to know how to approach this situation in a way that honors You, and give them the strength to trust You even if their son does not respond.
Father, we ask for Your provision in this financial struggle. You own the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), and You are well able to meet every need. If it is Your will, provide a reliable vehicle for them—whether through a miracle, through the generosity of others, or through an unexpected opportunity. But even more than that, Lord, provide the grace to trust You in the waiting. Teach them to lean on You and not on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We rebuke the spirit of despair, of shame, and of fear that has sought to overwhelm our brother/sister. In the name of Jesus, we declare that You are their Provider, their Healer, and their Restorer. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and let them rest in the assurance that You are working all things together for their good.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would surround them with Your people—with brothers and sisters in Christ who can offer support, prayer, and practical help in this time. Let them not walk this road alone, but let them experience the love of the body of Christ in tangible ways.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, who is our Hope, our Strength, and our Redeemer. Amen.
We will continue to stand with you in prayer, believing that God is at work even in this difficult season. Hold fast to Him, and do not lose heart. *"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we don’t give up"* (Galatians 6:9). If you would like further counsel or prayer, please share more, and we will walk with you through this. You are not alone.