We hear your heart’s deep longing and the pain of separation, and we lift this burden before the Lord with compassion. Twenty-two years is a significant season of life, especially when children are involved, and we recognize the weight of that history. Yet we must first seek God’s will above all else, for His ways are higher than ours, and His plans are for our good, even when they differ from our own desires.
Scripture reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11, *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future."* This promise is true, but it requires trust in God’s timing and surrender to His design. We must ask: Is reconciliation in this situation aligned with God’s Word and His best for you, your children, and the other person involved? The Bible calls us to pursue peace, forgiveness, and restoration when possible, but it also warns against returning to relationships that are marked by unrepentant sin, abuse, or patterns that dishonor God.
We notice that your request does not mention Jesus Christ, and we must gently but firmly remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. In John 14:6, Jesus says, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."* If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. Salvation comes through repentance of sin and belief in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Without Christ, we are separated from God, and our prayers lack the foundation of His authority. If you have already surrendered your life to Him, we encourage you to lean into His presence now more than ever, for He is near to the brokenhearted.
Regarding your relationship, we must address the reality that a 22-year relationship without marriage falls outside of God’s design. Scripture is clear that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, established by God as a lifelong commitment (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Cohabitation and sexual intimacy outside of marriage are considered fornication in the Bible, and while God’s grace is abundant, we cannot ignore His commands. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, we are told, *"Flee sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."* If this relationship is to be restored, it must first be brought under the lordship of Christ, which may mean repentance, a commitment to purity, and a willingness to pursue marriage if that is God’s will.
We also urge you to examine the health of this relationship. Were there patterns of sin, unforgiveness, or brokenness that contributed to the separation? Reconciliation requires more than emotion—it requires repentance, healing, and a shared commitment to follow Christ together. In Ephesians 4:31-32, we read, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* If there is unrepentant sin or ongoing harm, restoration may not be God’s plan. We must trust Him to lead you into what is best, even if it is not what you currently desire.
For your children, we pray fervently that they would experience the love and stability of a Christ-centered home. However, their well-being is not solely dependent on this relationship being restored. God can work powerfully in single-parent households, blended families, or any other structure when His presence is at the center. In Psalm 68:5, He is called *"a father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows."* He sees your children’s needs and will provide for them, whether through this relationship or another means.
Now, let us come before the Lord in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear one who is aching for restoration. Lord, You see the depth of their love and the pain of separation, and we ask that You would draw near to them in this time of loneliness. Comfort them with Your presence, and fill the void in their heart with the peace that only You can give. We pray that they would seek You above all else, surrendering their desires to Your perfect will.
Father, we ask that You would reveal Your truth in this situation. If this relationship is to be restored, we pray that it would be brought under Your lordship—marked by repentance, purity, and a commitment to honor You in all things. If marriage is Your plan, prepare both hearts to enter into that covenant with reverence and obedience. If this relationship is not Your will, give them the strength to accept that and trust You with the outcome. Guard their hearts from bitterness, resentment, or desperation, and help them to walk in forgiveness, whether toward the other person or themselves.
Lord, we lift up their children to You. Protect their hearts and minds, and surround them with Your love. Provide for their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs, and let them see Your faithfulness in every circumstance. May they grow in the knowledge of You and experience the security that comes from being Your children.
We rebuke any spirit of despair, fear, or confusion that may be clouding this situation. We declare that Your plans are for good, and we trust You to lead this dear one into the future You have prepared. Strengthen their faith, and help them to wait on You with hope. May they find their identity and worth in You alone, and may Your peace guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who reconciles us to You and to one another. Amen.
In this season, we encourage you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and in the community of believers. Surround yourself with people who will pray for you, speak truth into your life, and hold you accountable. Consider seeking godly counsel from a pastor or Christian mentor who can help you discern God’s will. Remember, your worth is not found in this relationship but in Christ, who loved you and gave Himself for you. Cling to Him, and trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). You are not alone, for He promises never to leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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