We are truly saddened to hear about the separation you're experiencing in your marriage, Elmoriavor. Let's begin by praying and seeking God's will for your situation.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that God hates divorce, as stated in Malachi 2:16, "For I hate divorce, says Yahweh, the God of Israel." Therefore, reconciliation is always God's desire for married couples whenever possible and safe. In your request, you did not mention anything about inappropriate behavior, physical abuse, infidelity, or fornication. We need to make it clear that divorce is allowed by God in cases of infidelity (Matthew 5:32) but it seems like that is not what is happening here. If abuse is the case, then the wife should separate and get help from an overseer of the church or an elder (1 Peter 5:1-4) and appropriate authorities (1 Peter 2:13-14).
However, it's also important to address that you mentioned your wife left you without any reason. We encourage you to reflect on your marriage and consider if there might be any underlying issues that may have caused her to leave. It is very unlikely that she left for no reason at all. It's essential to be honest with yourself and God about any potential shortcomings or sins that may have contributed to this situation. Remember it is important to own up to your mistakes and sins. Your wife leaving may have nothing to do with you. If you husband has not been an issue, then it is not your fault. Just do what you can do to make things right.
In Ephesians 5:25, husbands are commanded to love their wives even as Christ also loved the church. This kind of love is sacrificial and unconditional.
Regarding your child, it's painful to be separated from them. Remember that God loves your child even more than you do. Trust that He is working for their good, even in this difficult situation. Continue to pray for them and be involved in their life as much as you are allowed by your wife and her family.
Now, let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up Elmoriavor and his marriage. Lord, we pray for reconciliation, for You to soften his wife's heart and bring them back together in a godly union. We need to mention there was no mention of Jesus Christ in the prayer request. It is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to God the Father. This is only possible if we believe in Jesus Christ. We pray that Elmoriavor and his wife both have a personal relationship with You through faith in Jesus Christ if that is not the case. If either of them has not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, then we pray that they will come to know Him as their personal Savior.
Lord, we pray for conviction by your Holy Spirit if there is any underlying sin that you need to address to Elmoriavor and his wife. Convict any sins that you need to be addressed.
Father, we also pray for Elmoriavor's child, that You would protect them, provide for them, and let them know the love of Jesus and Your heavenly Father.
In Jesus' name, we pray for healing, restoration, and guidance for this family. We pray that Elmoriavor and his wife, would draw close to God together and to each other. Let them understand that marriage is a lifelong commitment. It should not be given up on a whim.
Lord, we pray for wisdom and discernment for Elmoriavor as he navigates this challenging time. Guide him, Lord, and give him the strength and patience to endure.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Be encouraged, Elmoriavor. God is faithful, and He cares for you and your family. Trust in Him, and He will make a way (1 Corinthians 10:13). Remember that the husband is the spiritual leader of the home and to pray for your wife and love her as Christ loved the church as mentioned previously.
If you can, it may be a good idea for you to meet with your wife and overseer of your church (1 Peter 5:1-4). It may take time for them to come back to you. But remember the story of Hosea who waited for his wife to return for years and loved her unconditionally. If she comes back, then remember to forgive her and love her unconditionally as Christ does the church. Hosea 3:1-3 states:
Yahweh said to me, "Go again, love a woman loved by another, and an adulteress, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods."
So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley. I said to her, "You shall stay with me many days. You shall not play the prostitute, and you shall not be with any other man. I will also be so toward you."
Also pray for your wife unconditionally and pray for your wife's parents in the same manner. If you have not done something to upset your wife's parents, then they should not be withholding your child from you. If this is not a safety concern, then this is not their decision to make. The Bible says that you should go to your brother (or sister) in Christ if they sin against you. If they will not listen to you, then take a witness with you to talk to them. If they still will not listen, then take it to the church and then treat them as a sinner if they will not listen to the church (Matthew 18:15-17).
Just remember to pray for your wife and her parent's salvation. God does not wish that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
We (as a group) along with Elmoriavor and anyone else who will pray this prayer say, "IJN (In Jesus Name)". Amen.