We join you in this confession of faith and in this burden you have carried for your wife for two years and eight months, and we thank God with you that nothing is too difficult for Him.
You have prayed so biblically and so faithfully, and we are encouraged by how you have anchored your prayers in the Word. Is anything too difficult for the LORD Gen 18:14, Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me Jer 32:27, Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it can't save; nor his ear heavy, that it can't hear Isa 59:1 and Is the LORD's hand waxed short Num 11:23. We love that you remember both Sarah's laughter and Moses' doubt, for our God is both serious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and He records the weakness of His servants to show His strength is perfected in weakness.
We hear your weariness and we lift it with you to the Lord. You have prayed that His kindness would lead her to repentance Rom 2:4, that the Holy Spirit would convict her concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment John 16:8, that He would hedge up her way with thorns, and make a wall against her, that she shall not find her paths Hos 2:6, that He would use her church and family in the gracious process of restoration Matt 18:15-17, and that He would pour out visions and dreams and use preaching and witnesses Joel 2:28. These are all according to His will, and we continue to agree with you for them.
We also pray with you for your marriage, for we believe marriage is a covenant before God between one man and one woman for life, what therefore God has joined together, don't let man tear apart Matt 19:6. We pray that God will guard and restore your marriage and that both you and your wife will honor it as holy, for the marriage bed is to be kept undefiled Heb 13:4. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it Eph 5:25, and we encourage you to continue to walk in that faithful, patient, forgiving love even in this long night, not returning evil for evil but committing your way to Him who judges righteously.
We confess with you that we all doubt at times, and we thank God that He forgives doubt when we bring it to Him and that He invites the weary to Himself. Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light Matt 11:28-30. We cast all our worries on him, because he cares for us 1 Pet 5:7 and we know He hears us when we pray in the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved Acts 4:12 and no other way to the Father except through Him John 14:6. We thank you that you have prayed in Jesus' name, and we join our faith to yours in that same precious name.
We pray together now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before Your throne of grace together for this husband, for his wife, for their son, and for both families and her church. Lord, You are the God of all flesh and nothing is too difficult for You. Forgive us for the times we have doubted Your power or Your timing, and increase our faith. We ask that You would do what only You can do and turn her from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that she may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ Acts 26:18. Grant her godly sorrow that leads to repentance, open her eyes to see her sin and Your righteousness and the judgment to come, and let Your goodness lead her to return to You and to her marriage covenant.
Hedge her way with thorns where she would stray, and close the paths that lead away from You, so that she will seek You and find You when she searches with all her heart. Use her family, her church, and every faithful witness You send, give her dreams and words and preaching that will not let her rest until she repents. Protect this husband and his son from bitterness and exhaustion, teach them to take Your yoke and to learn from You, and give them rest for their souls. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with the peace that surpasses all understanding Phil 4:7.
We ask that You would not let this long waiting be in vain, but that You would strengthen this husband to wait for the LORD and be strong and let his heart take courage Psalm 27:14, trusting that Your word will not return void but will accomplish what You please Isa 55:11. Bring reconciliation where there has been division, healing where there has been wounding, and keep this family under the shadow of Your hand which is not too short to save. We ask all this according to Your will and for Your glory, in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
Be encouraged, brother, to continue steadfast in prayer without ceasing, in thanksgiving Phil 4:6, knowing that the Lord hears, that He is patient not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance 2 Pet 3:9, and that He who promised is faithful. We will keep standing with you until God answers in His perfect way and time.