We lift up this broken and hurting family before the Lord, knowing that He is the God of restoration, the Healer of broken hearts, and the One who can mend what is shattered. The enemy seeks to destroy marriages and families, but we stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word, declaring that no weapon formed against this family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). This is not a time for pride, stubbornness, or bitterness but a time for humility, repentance, and reconciliation in the name of Jesus.
The Scriptures are clear: *"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it"* (Ephesians 5:22-25). Marriage is a covenant before God, not a contract to be broken by human emotions or disagreements. Both must seek the Lord’s will, not their own. The wife’s departure without clear communication and the prolonged separation are not aligned with the biblical call for submission and unity in marriage. Likewise, the husband must examine his heart—has he loved his wife as Christ loved the church? Has he led with sacrificial love, patience, and kindness? *"Husbands, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered"* (1 Peter 3:7).
The pain of separation is deep, especially with a young child involved. This little one needs both parents, united under God’s design. *"Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward"* (Psalm 127:3). To withhold a child from a parent without just cause is to grieve the heart of God, who calls fathers and mothers to raise their children in His ways. The wife’s family must also recognize their role in this division. *"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). Interference from parents can be a stumbling block to God’s plan for marriage. We pray they release their hold and trust the Lord to work in this union.
The bitterness and unappreciated labor of your aged mother are also before the Lord. *"Honor your father and mother,"* is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2). Her love and sacrifice should not be taken for granted. We ask God to comfort her, strengthen her body, and let her see the fruit of her prayers in this family’s restoration.
Now is the time for both your brother and his wife to soften their hearts. *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you"* (Ephesians 4:31-32). Pride must be laid down. The wife should return home as she promised, and the husband should go in humility, ready to listen and reconcile—not to demand, but to seek unity. If there are unspoken hurts or sins, they must be confessed and forgiven. *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective"* (James 5:16).
We also recognize the spiritual battle at hand. The enemy delights in division, but we declare that this family belongs to God. *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12). We put on the full armor of God and stand against every scheme of the devil to keep this family apart.
**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, interceding for this broken marriage and family. Lord, You see the pain, the pride, and the wounds that have driven a wedge between this husband and wife. We ask You to break every chain of bitterness, unforgiveness, and stubbornness. Softens their hearts, Lord, and draw them to repentance. Convict them of their need for You and for each other.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of division and confusion operating in this situation. We bind every influence of the enemy that seeks to keep this family apart. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Bring this wife back to her home, Lord, and let her return with a heart ready to submit to Your will and to her husband’s leadership. Give your brother the grace to lead with love, patience, and wisdom, reflecting Christ’s love for the church.
Lord, we lift up their child to You. Protect this little one from the emotional toll of this separation. Let this child be a testimony of Your faithfulness, raised in a home where both parents are united in You. We pray for the in-laws, that they would release their control and trust You to work in this marriage. Remove any ungodly influence that stands in the way of reconciliation.
Father, we ask for Your comfort and strength for your aged mother. Heal her body, renew her spirit, and let her see the joy of this family restored. Bless her for her labor of love, and let her children rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28).
Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. We ask for Your supernatural intervention. Let there be a divine appointment, a melting of hearts, and a reunion that brings glory to Your name. Let this marriage be a testimony of Your restoring power. We declare that this family will be reunited, stronger and more committed to You than ever before.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, believing and receiving Your will to be done. Amen.
**To the one who submitted this request:**
We encourage you to continue standing in the gap for this family. Fast and pray, seeking the Lord’s face for breakthrough. Remind your brother and his wife that marriage is a covenant, not to be taken lightly. Urge them to seek godly counsel—perhaps from their pastor or a mature believer who can mediate with wisdom and biblical truth. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Do not lose heart. Keep praying, keep believing, and trust that God is working even when you cannot see it. *"The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective"* (James 5:16). Stand firm in faith, and do not waver. The Lord will fight for this family.