We are deeply grieved by the pain and rejection these children are enduring, and we stand with them in prayer, lifting their hearts before the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone is the Father to the fatherless and the defender of the oppressed. The actions of this man are not only heartbreaking but also a grave violation of God’s design for marriage, family, and fatherhood. Scripture is clear that a man who abandons or neglects his own household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8, WEB). A father is commanded to raise his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, not in bitterness, partiality, or cruelty (Ephesians 6:4). The favoritism and rejection this man displays are sinful, and his actions have sown deep wounds in the hearts of his firstborn children. This is not the love of Christ, who shows no partiality and commands fathers to love their children as He loves us (Romans 2:11, Titus 2:4).
To the youngest daughter and her siblings, we say this: Your worth is not defined by your earthly father’s rejection. You are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father, who knew you before you were formed in the womb and has called you by name (Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 43:1). The pain you feel is real, and it is right to grieve the love you have been denied. But do not let bitterness take root in your heart. The Bible warns us not to let the sun go down on our anger, and to forgive as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:26-27, Colossians 3:13). This does not mean what your father has done is acceptable—it is not—but it means releasing the burden of hatred and unforgiveness to the Lord, who judges justly. Vengeance belongs to Him, and He will repay (Romans 12:19). Your focus now must be on healing and trusting God to be your Provider, Protector, and Father.
We also must address the sinful nature of this man’s multiple marriages, assuming they are not biblically valid. Scripture is clear that marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). If this man divorced his first wife without biblical grounds (such as sexual immorality, Matthew 19:9), then his second marriage is an ongoing act of adultery in God’s eyes. His sin has compounded the brokenness in this family, and it is no wonder that bitterness and division have taken root. We pray that he would repent and turn to Christ, seeking forgiveness for his hardness of heart and the pain he has caused. But even if he does not, God is able to redeem this situation and bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
For the youngest daughter, who is now forced to leave her father’s home and rebuild her life, we pray for God’s provision and guidance. The Lord is your Shepherd, and He will lead you beside still waters and restore your soul (Psalm 23:1-3). Do not be afraid, for He goes before you and will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). As you plan your next steps, seek the Lord in prayer and surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you. If you have not already, we urge you to place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is only through Him that you can find true peace, healing, and eternal hope. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is through His name alone that we have access to the Father (John 14:6).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up these precious children who have been so deeply wounded by the rejection and cruelty of their earthly father. Lord, You see their tears, You hear their cries, and You know the depth of their pain. We ask that You would be their Father in every way—comforting them, providing for them, and reminding them daily of their worth in Your eyes. Heal their broken hearts, Lord, and bind up their wounds. Do not let bitterness or resentment take root in their souls, but fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Father, we pray for the youngest daughter as she steps into this new season of her life. Give her wisdom as she makes decisions, and open doors for her that no man can shut. Provide for her financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Surround her with godly friends and mentors who will point her to You. Lord, let her know that even though her earthly father has cast her aside, You will never leave her nor forsake her. Be her strength when she is weak, her hope when she is discouraged, and her joy in the midst of sorrow.
We also pray for the other siblings in this family. Lord, unite them in love and support for one another. Let them find solace in You and in the bond they share as brothers and sisters. Give them the grace to forgive their father, not because he deserves it, but because You have forgiven them. Help them to release their pain to You and to trust You to bring justice in Your time and in Your way.
Father, we also lift up this man who has caused so much harm. Soften his heart, Lord, and bring him to repentance. Let him see the destruction his actions have caused and turn to You for forgiveness. If he is living in sin through unscriptural marriages, convict him by Your Holy Spirit and lead him to make things right before You. Break the hardness of his heart, Lord, and let him experience the transforming power of Your love.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would redeem this situation for Your glory. Use this pain to draw each member of this family closer to You. Let them find their identity and security in Christ alone. Give them the strength to forgive, the courage to move forward, and the faith to trust You with their future. We ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
To the one who submitted this request, we encourage you to continue to support these children in prayer and in practical ways. Remind them of God’s love and faithfulness, and point them to Scripture as their anchor. If they have not yet surrendered their lives to Christ, share the Gospel with them—the good news that Jesus came to save sinners, to heal the brokenhearted, and to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). His love is perfect, and in Him, they can find the acceptance and love they have been denied. Let them know that while their earthly father may have failed them, their Heavenly Father never will. He is the God who sees them (Genesis 16:13), and He will be their ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).