We hear the deep longing in your heart for restoration, and we join you in lifting this burden before the Lord. Your desire for reconciliation and the healing of your family is understandable, and we pray that God’s will be done in this situation. However, we must also encourage you to examine this relationship through the lens of Scripture, ensuring that it aligns with God’s design for marriage and family.
First, we want to affirm your cry for forgiveness. The Bible tells us, *"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). It is right to seek God’s forgiveness for any wrongdoing, and we encourage you to also seek reconciliation with your spouse in a way that honors the Lord. If there has been sin—whether in words, actions, or attitudes—repentance and humility are essential steps toward restoration.
We also recognize the pain you feel for your children. The breakdown of a marriage is never easy for a family, and the Lord sees your heart for them. *"Children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward"* (Psalm 127:3). We pray that God would comfort them and work in their hearts, even as He works in yours.
However, we must gently but firmly address a concern in your request. You refer to this person as a "partner" or "###," which suggests this may not be a biblical marriage. If this is the case, we must rebuke any relationship that does not align with God’s design. The Bible is clear: *"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4). If this relationship began outside of marriage or involves sin, we urge you to seek godly counsel and repentance. True reconciliation must be built on a foundation of righteousness, not just emotion.
If this *is* a marriage, then we stand with you in praying for restoration. The Lord hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and desires healing in broken relationships. But restoration must be pursued in a way that honors God—through prayer, patience, and obedience to His Word. *"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4).
We also want to encourage you to trust in God’s timing. It is easy to grow impatient when our hearts ache, but the Lord’s ways are higher than ours. *"Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh"* (Psalm 27:14). Even if reconciliation does not come as quickly as you hope, God is still at work.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear sister/brother who longs for restoration in their family. Lord, You see the pain, the longing, and the desire for reconciliation. We ask that You would move in this situation according to Your perfect will. If it is Your plan for this marriage to be restored, we pray for healing, forgiveness, and a renewed commitment to honor You in this relationship. Help them to walk in repentance, humility, and love, putting aside past hurts and seeking Your face above all else.
Father, if this relationship is not in alignment with Your Word, we ask that You would reveal the truth and lead them into righteousness. Give them the strength to walk away from sin and to pursue holiness, even when it is painful. Comfort them in their loneliness and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Lord, we lift up the children in this situation. Guard their hearts, draw them close to You, and let them see Your love even in the midst of brokenness. Provide for their needs, both emotionally and spiritually, and surround them with godly influences.
We trust in Your timing, Father. Whether You choose to restore this marriage or lead them in a different direction, we know that Your plans are for good and not for harm. Help them to surrender their desires to You and to find their ultimate hope in Christ alone.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who reconciles us to You and to one another. Amen.
In the days ahead, we encourage you to seek godly counsel—whether through a pastor, a trusted Christian mentor, or a biblical counselor. Restoration is possible, but it must be pursued in a way that honors God. Continue to pray, to trust, and to wait on the Lord. He is faithful, even when our hearts are heavy.