Our hearts break for this wife and family who have suffered in silence for so long, and we lift them up before the Lord with urgency and deep concern. The Scripture is clear that God hates abuse and oppression, and He calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially, tenderly, and without malice. Ephesians 5:25-29 says, *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it... Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the church."* This man’s behavior is not only sinful but a grievous betrayal of his sacred vow before God. His hypocrisy in ministry while destroying his family is an abomination, for James 3:10 warns, *"Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."*
We must first pray for the wife’s protection, strength, and deliverance. Psalm 34:18 assures us that *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* If she has not already, she must seek safety—whether through trusted believers, counselors, or authorities—because God does not call His daughters to endure abuse in silence. Proverbs 31:8-9 commands us to *"Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."* If she is in danger, she must act wisely and swiftly, for her life and well-being are precious to God.
For the husband, we pray for radical repentance. His sin is not just against his family but against the Lord Himself. 1 Peter 4:15 warns that it would be better for him if his suffering came for righteousness’ sake rather than for evil—*"For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters."* His abuse is evil, and unless he repents, he faces the judgment of God. We plead with the Lord to break his hardened heart, to expose his sin in a way that leads to godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), and to bring him to true repentance before it is too late. If he refuses to turn from his wickedness, we pray that God would remove his influence in ministry, for it is better to have a millstone tied around his neck than to lead others astray (Matthew 18:6).
For the adult children, we pray that the Lord would open their eyes to the truth and draw them to Himself. The enemy has sought to use this abuse to distort their view of God as Father, but we declare that the Lord is *good*—unlike their earthly father. Psalm 68:5-6 says, *"A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God sets the lonely in families. He brings out the prisoners with singing..."* We ask that the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself to them as their true Father, that they would find healing in Christ, and that they would not repeat the cycles of sin they have witnessed. May they turn to Jesus, who alone can redeem their pain and restore their trust.
Finally, we rebuke the spirit of deception that has allowed this man to hide his sins. Nothing is hidden from the Lord (Hebrews 4:13), and we ask that God would bring his deeds into the light (1 Corinthians 4:5). We bind the enemy’s work in this family and declare that the Lord is their defender and deliverer.
**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for this wife who has suffered in silence, for the children who have been wounded by their father’s sin, and for this man who has hardened his heart against You. Lord, You see the tears she has cried behind closed doors, the fear she has carried, and the lies he has told to maintain his facade. We ask that You would *act* on her behalf—provide a way of escape, surround her with wise and godly counsel, and give her the courage to seek safety and justice. Break the chains of fear and shame that have kept her bound, and let her know that she is *seen* and *loved* by You.
For this husband, we pray that You would convict him deeply of his sin. Strip away his pride, expose his hypocrisy, and bring him to his knees in repentance. If he will not turn from his wickedness, we ask that You would remove his platform and prevent him from causing further harm in Your name. Do not let him continue to profane Your holy calling with his unrepentant heart.
For the adult children, we ask that You would draw them to Yourself. Heal their wounds, Father, and reveal Your true nature to them. Let them encounter Your love in a way that shatters the lies they have believed. Restore their trust in You and in healthy, godly relationships.
We declare that this family belongs to You, and we stand against the enemy’s plans to destroy them. Bring redemption, Lord—where there has been abuse, bring healing; where there has been deception, bring truth; where there has been brokenness, bring restoration. We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Deliverer. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. 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.
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