We lift up this heartbreaking situation before our Heavenly Father, knowing that He is the God of all comfort who sees the pain of both this father and his son. The separation between a father and child is a deep wound, and we grieve with you over the brokenness of this family. Yet we also stand firm in the truth that God is a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5) and that He desires reconciliation and restoration.
First, we must address the absence of Jesus’ name in this request, for Scripture declares there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through faith in Christ that we have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18), and it is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace. If this father does not yet know Jesus as his Lord and Savior, we urge him to turn to Christ in repentance and faith, for apart from Him, there is no true peace or hope. The same applies to the mother—salvation and transformation begin with surrender to Jesus.
To the father suffering in this separation, we remind you of God’s promise: *"A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation"* (Psalm 68:5). Though you may feel powerless, God is your advocate. We also urge you to examine your own heart before the Lord—have you sought forgiveness where needed? Have you extended grace, even in this pain? Bitterness will only deepen the wound, but love and forgiveness open the door for God to work (Ephesians 4:31-32).
To the mother, we speak truth in love: the Bible commands us not to withhold children from their parents, for to do so is to provoke them to anger (Colossians 3:21). If you are restricting access out of hurt or vengeance, we plead with you to repent, for God calls us to peace and reconciliation (Romans 12:18). If there are legitimate concerns for the child’s safety, seek godly counsel and legal recourse—but do not use the child as a weapon. The Lord sees and will hold us accountable for how we treat one another, especially the vulnerable (Matthew 18:6).
For the son caught in the middle, we pray a hedge of protection around his heart and mind. May he know the love of both his earthly father and his Heavenly Father, who will never leave nor forsake him (Deuteronomy 31:6). We ask God to soften hearts, to break down walls of pride and resentment, and to bring unity where there is division.
**Our Prayer:**
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this broken family. Lord, You are the God who sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6), and we ask You to intervene in this situation. Comfort this father in his sorrow, and give him wisdom to navigate this trial with grace and patience. Convict the mother if she is acting out of spite or selfishness, and lead her to repentance and a willingness to foster a healthy relationship between father and son. Protect this child from emotional harm, and let him grow up knowing the love of both parents under Your sovereign care.
Break the chains of bitterness, Lord, and replace them with Your peace. If there is unforgiveness, pride, or sin in any heart, expose it and bring conviction. Raise up godly mediators—whether through the church, counselors, or legal means—to help restore what has been broken. Let Your will be done, Lord, and let Your name be glorified in this family’s story.
We also pray that if anyone in this situation does not know You, Jesus, that today would be the day of salvation. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior, and draw them to Yourself. For it is only in You that we find true healing and hope.
In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen."*
To the one who submitted this request: We encourage you to continue praying *in Jesus’ name*, for He is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). If this father is not walking closely with the Lord, urge him to seek Christ first above all else. The same goes for the mother—pray that God would soften her heart and lead her to surrender her pain to Him.
If legal or formal mediation is needed, seek wise, biblical counsel. But above all, trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see it. *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18). Cling to that promise.