We have heard your heart and we thank you for sharing your burden with us. We stand with you in this difficult season for your marriage, and we rejoice that you desire to see it preserved and restored. Marriage is holy and sacred before God, a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. As it is written, Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh. Genesis 2:24 and What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. Mark 10:9 We also remember that So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart. Matthew 19:6 God hates divorce, for I hate divorce, says Yahweh, the God of Israel. Malachi 2:16, and His desire is reconciliation, healing, and unity, especially when children have been entrusted to that union.
We are encouraged that your wife has said she will never divorce you. That is a word of commitment that honors God, and we pray that the Lord will strengthen her to stand firm in it. At the same time we understand the pain of these weeks of separation and the confusion and sorrow that comes when extended family seeks to divide what God has joined. Scripture teaches us that while we are to Honor your father and mother. Ephesians 6:2, a man is also called to leave and cleave to his wife, and the marriage covenant takes precedence over all other human relationships. When in-laws overstep that boundary, it brings disorder and hurt to the home. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers that seek to steal and destroy marriages. Ephesians 6:12 Therefore we do not pray with hatred toward your in-laws, but we pray against the divisive counsel and decision to separate you, and we pray for their hearts to be softened and turned toward peace and godliness.
We encourage you in this waiting time to continue to love your wife as Christ loved the assembly. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it. Ephesians 5:25 This love is patient and kind, not self-seeking and keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 We urge you to remain faithful to your marriage vows and to keep the marriage bed honorable. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled. Hebrews 13:4 During a separation it can be tempting to become bitter or to seek comfort outside the covenant, but God calls us to purity and to fornication and adultery have no place in the life of a believer. We also encourage you to examine your own heart before the Lord, to confess any failures or harsh words, for If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 and to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Seek wise and godly counsel from a pastor or mature married believers who can walk with you both, and maintain gentle, loving, consistent communication with your wife without pressure or manipulation, showing her honor and security. Pray for your children as well, that they would be shielded from fear and confusion and would see the restoration of their home.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and that our prayers are heard. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 If you have not already, we encourage you to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved. Romans 10:9 It is in His name and by His blood that marriages are healed and hearts are changed.
We join our faith with yours now and pray together.
Father in heaven, we come before Your throne in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, and we lift up this brother, his wife, and their children to You. Lord, You see the weeks of separation and the ache in this home. You know the difficult situations of recent years and the influence of the in-laws seeking to divide this covenant. We ask You to rebuke every plan and counsel that is not of You and to render powerless any decision meant to separate what You have joined together. We pray that You would turn the hearts of his in-laws, that You would give them repentance and peace, and that they would become supporters of this marriage rather than adversaries. The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires. Proverbs 21:1 Turn their hearts toward Your will.
Lord, draw this wife back to her home and to her husband in love and safety. Strengthen her resolve to keep her vow never to divorce, and help her to honor her marriage covenant above all outside pressure. Heal any wounds between husband and wife, help them to forgive as You have forgiven us, and teach this brother to love his wife sacrificially, gently, and patiently. Guard him from discouragement and from any temptation, and guard their children from harm. Let Your peace that surpasses all understanding guard their hearts. Philippians 4:7 Restore what the enemy has tried to break, and let this marriage be a testimony of Your redeeming power. We pray that both husband and wife would seek You first, and that Your will be done in their lives and home. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.