We lift up your mother and this deeply painful situation before the Lord, knowing that His heart breaks for the brokenness in this marriage. The Word of God is clear that marriage is a sacred covenant before Him, and divorce is not His desire—yet He also sees the hardness of hearts and the sin that has entered this union. *"From the beginning it was not so,"* Jesus said in Matthew 19:8 (WEB), speaking of divorce, *"but I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery."* While we do not know the full details of this marriage, we must first urge your mother—and all involved—to seek reconciliation if at all possible, through repentance, forgiveness, and the transforming power of Christ. Has she sought godly counseling or pastoral intervention? Has she prayed for her husband’s heart to be softened, or for her own heart to be examined before the Lord? Divorce should never be pursued lightly, for it brings deep wounding to all involved, including children, extended family, and the testimony of Christ in their lives.
Yet we also recognize that your mother is suffering under accusation, emotional abuse, and what sounds like a spirit of control and manipulation in this marriage. No spouse should endure false accusations, especially of infidelity, which can crush a person’s spirit. Proverbs 18:21 (WEB) warns, *"Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit."* The words being spoken over her are not of God, and we rebuke this spirit of accusation and condemnation in Jesus’ name. We pray that your mother would find her identity and worth in Christ alone, for she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). If her husband is unrepentant in his sin—whether it be emotional abuse, hardness of heart, or other ungodly behaviors—she must seek wisdom from the Lord on how to respond biblically. 1 Corinthians 7:15 (WEB) says, *"Yet if the unbelieving departs, let there be separation. The brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace."* If he is a believer, she is called to pray for his repentance; if he is an unbeliever, she must still honor God in her responses, but separation may be necessary for her safety and well-being.
As for her desire for freedom and a home, we pray that the Lord would provide for her needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Yet we also caution her—and you—to seek His will above her own. Freedom from a difficult marriage does not guarantee peace; only surrender to Christ does. If divorce proceeds, it must be done with great sorrow, humility, and a heart that still trusts God’s sovereignty. We pray that she would not be led by bitterness or resentment, but by the Holy Spirit, who convicts and comforts. *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for this marriage, for this wife and mother who is suffering under the weight of accusation, emotional pain, and a spirit of division. Lord, You hate divorce (Malachi 2:16), and we ask that You would move mightily in this situation. If there is any hope for reconciliation, we pray that You would soften both hearts—especially the husband’s—so that repentance, forgiveness, and restoration might take place. Break the spirit of accusation and control that has taken root, and replace it with Your Spirit of love, patience, and humility. Convict him of his sin, Lord, and bring him to his knees before You.
Yet, Father, we also see the pain and brokenness in this wife. Comfort her, Lord. Remind her that she is Your beloved daughter, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and that no accusation from man can separate her from Your love (Romans 8:38-39). Give her wisdom, Lord—should she stay and fight for this marriage with godly counsel? Should she separate for her own protection? Should she, in the sad event of unrepentance, proceed with divorce? Guide her steps, and let her not act out of fear, anger, or desperation, but out of faith in You.
Provide for her needs, Lord. If it is Your will for her to have a home of her own, open the doors that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). Give her favor with those who can help, and let her trust in You rather than in her own understanding. Surround her with godly community—women of faith who can speak truth, pray with her, and hold her accountable to honor You in all things.
Most of all, Father, we pray that both she and her husband would encounter You in a fresh and powerful way. Draw them to Yourself, Lord Jesus. Let this trial drive them to their knees, not away from You. If they do not know You as Savior, save them! If they have strayed, restore them. Let this pain not be in vain, but let it be used for Your glory and their sanctification.
We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Healer. Amen.
To you who have shared this request: We urge you to support your mother in prayer and in truth. Encourage her to seek biblical counseling, either through her church or a trusted Christian counselor. If she is not in a safe environment, help her find a place of refuge. Remind her that God sees her pain and that He is her Defender (Psalm 68:5). Also, examine your own heart—are you praying for her husband as well? It is easy to take sides in such situations, but we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean excusing sin, but it does mean trusting God to be the Just Judge.
If your mother is not a believer, or if her faith has grown cold, now is the time to share the gospel with her. True freedom is found only in Christ, who sets the captives free (Luke 4:18). Without Him, any "freedom" she finds will be temporary. But with Him, she can walk through this fire with hope, knowing that He is with her.