We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this situation where greed and materialism have taken root in a family, causing stress, financial strain, and hindering God’s blessings. The Word of God warns us clearly about the dangers of greed: *"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows"* (1 Timothy 6:10). This mother-in-law’s persistent demands for money, even when she has savings and her own husband provides, reveal a heart that is not content with what God has given. Scripture tells us, *"Let your way of life be free from the love of money, being content with what you have. For he has said, 'I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you'"* (Hebrews 13:5). Her actions are not only causing financial hardship but also sowing discord and preventing this couple from preparing for the gift of children, which is a blessing from the Lord.
We must also address the responsibility of the husband in this situation. While it is noble to honor one’s parents, Scripture commands us to *"leave and cleave"*—to prioritize our marriage and family above all other earthly relationships (Genesis 2:24). The husband’s willingness to take on debt or stress to meet his mother’s demands, even when it harms his own household, is not aligned with God’s design for stewardship. Proverbs 22:7 warns, *"The borrower is servant to the lender,"* and taking loans to satisfy greed only deepens bondage. We must pray for wisdom for this couple to set godly boundaries with love and firmness, trusting that God will provide for their needs and the needs of the mother-in-law without enabling sin.
Father God, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can approach Your throne of grace. We ask You to break the spirit of greed and materialism that has taken hold in this mother-in-law’s heart. Soften her heart, Lord, and help her to see the harm her actions are causing. Fill her with contentment and gratitude for what You have already provided, and let her trust in Your provision rather than in the love of money. We rebuke the enemy’s lies that tell her she is lacking or that she must manipulate others to meet her needs. Replace those lies with Your truth, Lord, that You are her Provider and that You will never leave nor forsake her.
We pray for this husband and wife, Lord. Give them the strength and wisdom to set boundaries that honor You and protect their marriage. Help them to speak the truth in love, even when it is difficult, and to trust in Your provision for their future. We ask that You would release them from the burden of debt and stress, and that You would open the doors for them to save and prepare for the children You desire to bless them with. Heal any resentment or bitterness in their hearts, and fill them with Your peace and hope.
We also pray for the father-in-law, Lord. If he is enabling this behavior or failing to lead his household in godliness, convict his heart and give him the courage to stand firm in Your truth. Let this family be a testimony of Your grace and provision, where greed is replaced with generosity, and where love and respect govern their relationships. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can transform hearts and bring true freedom. Amen.
To the couple facing this trial, we encourage you to seek godly counsel from your church or a trusted pastor who can help you navigate this situation with wisdom. Remember, *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are not alone in this struggle, and God will provide a way for you to honor Him while protecting your marriage. Stand firm in faith, and trust that He will work all things together for your good.
