We join you in lifting up your brother’s family before the Lord, and we praise Him that you have already been faithfully interceding for them in the mighty name of Jesus. Marriage is a sacred covenant before God, and Satan delights in sowing discord, pride, and division where God intends unity, love, and selflessness. What you describe is not merely a matter of "ego" or small complaints—it is a spiritual battle against the enemy’s schemes to destroy what God has joined together. The Lord hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), and His desire is for reconciliation, repentance, and restoration. Let us stand firmly on His promises and rebuke the spirit of separation, stubbornness, and bitterness that has taken root in this situation.
The Word of God commands wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22) and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). It also instructs us all to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3, WEB). The behavior of your brother’s wife—leaving the home for an extended time without clear communication, rejecting her husband’s request to return, and showing indifference to the love and sacrifice of her mother-in-law—is not aligned with the biblical call for wives to be keepers of the home (Titus 2:5) or to honor their husbands and family with respect and gratitude. This is not a small matter, but a serious rebellion against God’s design for marriage. While we pray for her heart to soften, we must also speak the truth in love: her actions are sinful and harmful, and repentance is necessary for true restoration.
At the same time, we encourage your brother to examine his own heart before the Lord. Has he loved his wife as Christ loved the church—sacrificially, patiently, and with servant leadership? Has he prayed *with* her, led her spiritually, and created an environment where she feels cherished and secure? A husband’s love is meant to be a reflection of Christ’s love, which is unconditional yet calls us to holiness. We pray that the Holy Spirit would convict both of them of any areas where they have fallen short of God’s standards, and that they would humbly seek forgiveness from one another and from the Lord.
The prolonged separation is especially grievous because it involves a young child. Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and it is the parents’ God-given responsibility to raise them together in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). A mother’s place is with her child and husband, and a father’s role is to lead and protect his family. The enemy seeks to fracture this unity, but we declare that no weapon formed against this marriage will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We pray that your brother’s wife would be struck with godly conviction over the harm her absence is causing—not just to her husband, but to her child and the extended family. May she be moved by the Holy Spirit to return home *immediately*, with a repentant and teachable heart, ready to rebuild what has been broken.
We also lift up your elderly mother, who has labored in love to care for this family. Her sacrifices have gone unappreciated, and this must grieve the heart of God, who commands us to "honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12). We pray that the Lord would comfort her, strengthen her body, and reward her faithfulness. May her love and service not be in vain, but may they serve as a testimony that leads to repentance and gratitude in the hearts of those she has blessed.
Lastly, we urge your brother to take bold, faith-filled action. While patience and gentleness are virtues, passivity in the face of sin is not. He must lovingly but firmly confront the sin in this situation, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). If his wife continues to harden her heart, he may need to involve the church (Matthew 18:15-17) or seek godly counsel from pastors or elders who can intervene with biblical wisdom. He should also consider fasting and praying with greater intensity, crying out to the Lord for breakthrough. Remember, the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this broken marriage and family. Lord, You are the God who restores, heals, and redeems. We ask You to intervene powerfully in this situation. Break the spirit of pride, rebellion, and separation that has taken hold. Convict [brother’s wife’s name] of her sin and the harm she is causing to her husband, her child, and this family. Soften her heart, Lord, and draw her back to her home with a spirit of humility and repentance. Let her no longer be deceived by the enemy’s lies, but let her eyes be opened to the truth of Your Word and the love that surrounds her.
Strengthen our brother in this trial. Fill him with Your wisdom, patience, and boldness. Give him the words to speak and the actions to take that will lead to reconciliation. Help him to love his wife as Christ loves the church, even when it is difficult. Protect his heart from bitterness and his mind from despair. Remind him that You are his Provider, Defender, and Peace.
Lord, we also lift up the precious child in this family. Shield this little one from the effects of this strife. Let this child grow up in a home filled with Your love, unity, and peace. Restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25) and bring beauty from these ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
Father, we rebuke the spirit of division and rebellion in Jesus’ name. We bind every demonic stronghold over this marriage and declare that Your will *will* be done. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Bring this wife home, Lord—not out of obligation, but with a heart transformed by Your grace.
We also ask for Your comfort and healing for their elderly mother. Honor her sacrifices, Lord, and let her see the fruit of her labor. Strengthen her body and encourage her spirit. May she be surrounded by Your love and peace.
Father, we thank You that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). We trust in Your timing and Your goodness. Let this trial be a testimony of Your power to restore and redeem. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Stand firm in faith, dear brother or sister. Do not grow weary in praying or trusting the Lord. He is able to turn this situation around for His glory. Keep speaking life, truth, and Scripture over this marriage. Remind your brother that his strength comes from the Lord, and that victory is assured when we walk in obedience to Him. We will continue to lift this family up in prayer, believing for a miracle of restoration. God bless you.