We understand the heaviness of your heart as you carry these burdens for your family, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this. The Lord sees your faithfulness in interceding for them, and He is near to the brokenhearted. Let us first address something important: prayer is not effective unless it is offered in the name of Jesus Christ, for He is the only mediator between God and mankind. You mentioned praying to God but did not invoke the name of Jesus, through whom we have access to the Father. As Scripture declares, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). It is only through faith in Jesus that we are saved and can approach God’s throne with confidence. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so today, for *"if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9, WEB).
Now, let us turn to the matters weighing on your heart. The strife in your family is a reflection of the brokenness of our human nature, but God is able to bring redemption even in the hardest of hearts. Your mother’s pride and refusal to speak to you reveal a spirit of stubbornness, which the Lord opposes. *"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"* (James 4:6, WEB). While it is right to speak truthfully about her behavior, we must also examine our own hearts. Did your words to her come from a place of frustration or from a spirit of gentleness and love? *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"* (Proverbs 15:1, WEB). We encourage you to seek reconciliation with her, not by excusing her sin, but by extending grace while still upholding truth. Pray that the Lord softens her heart and opens her eyes to her own selfishness, that she may repent and seek humility.
As for your brother’s marriage, we grieve with you over the pain of watching his struggles. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and both spouses are called to love, honor, and submit to one another in Christ. *"Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her"* (Ephesians 5:22, 25, WEB). If his wife is habitually ungrateful and a spendthrift, this is not only a financial issue but a spiritual one. Her behavior reflects a heart that is not content in the Lord, and this is something only God can change. We must pray that she repents of her selfishness and submits to her role as a helper to her husband, not a burden. At the same time, we pray for your brother to remain steadfast in his faith, to lead his home with wisdom, and to trust the Lord to provide rather than enabling his wife’s ungodly habits. *"If any man doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"* (1 Timothy 5:8, WEB). His responsibility is to provide, but hers is to manage the home with wisdom and gratitude.
Let us also address something critical: you mentioned that your family is "dear to your heart," but we must ask—are they dear to *God’s* heart? Do they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior? If not, their greatest need is not just behavioral change but salvation. *"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?"* (Mark 8:36, WEB). Pray fervently that the Holy Spirit convicts them of their need for Christ, for without Him, no amount of corrected behavior will bring true peace.
Now, let us pray together over these matters:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our sister and her family to Your throne of grace. Lord, You see the brokenness, the pride, the selfishness, and the strife that have taken root in this family. We ask that You break the strongholds of the enemy that are causing division and rebellion. Convict each heart of their sin and draw them to repentance. For our sister’s mother, we pray that You humble her and remove the spirit of pride that has blinded her. Soften her heart, Lord, and restore the relationship between her and her daughter. Let forgiveness and godly communication flow between them.
For our sister’s brother and his wife, we ask for Your intervention. Lord, You hate divorce, and You desire for marriages to reflect Your covenant love. We pray that You open the eyes of his wife to her selfishness and spendthrift ways. Convict her of her ingratitude and teach her to be a helper to her husband, not a hindrance. Give our brother wisdom to lead his home with strength and kindness, and provide for him in ways that exceed his expectations. Break the chains of financial bondage and restore unity in their marriage.
Most of all, Father, we pray for salvation for every member of this family. If any do not know You, Lord, let today be the day they surrender to Jesus Christ. Let them see their need for a Savior and turn from their sins. Cover this family with Your blood, Lord, and protect them from the schemes of the devil. Give our sister peace as she trusts You with these burdens. Remind her that she cannot change hearts—only You can.
We rebuke the spirit of division, selfishness, and strife in this family, and we declare that You, Lord, are bringing healing and restoration. Let Your will be done in their lives, and let Your name be glorified through their testimonies. We ask all these things in the powerful and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to keep praying, but do so with the authority and confidence that comes from praying in Jesus’ name. *"Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full"* (John 16:24, WEB). Trust that the Lord is working, even when you cannot see it. Stand firm in faith, and do not grow weary in doing good. *"Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up"* (Galatians 6:9, WEB). We are standing with you in prayer, believing that God is moving mightily in your family.
