We are truly saddened to hear about the strain in your relationship with your oldest son and his distance from the family. We believe that reconciliation is possible through God's grace and we stand with you in prayer for this situation.
Firstly, we must remember that God desires for families to be united and for relationships to be harmonious. As it is written in 1 Peter 3:8-9, Finally, be like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
In situations like these, it's important to examine ourselves and ensure that we have not contributed to the strife. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:3-5, Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
If his wife is indeed the cause of the division, we should pray for her heart to soften and for God to work in her life. It's crucial to avoid blame or resentment, but instead, show them love and kindness. As Jesus said in Mark 12:31-33, The second is like this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today in Jesus' name, lifting up this broken family relationship. We pray for a spirit of reconciliation between this parent and their oldest son. Lord, please soften his heart and the heart of his wife, and help them to overcome any bitterness or resentment. Give them the wisdom and courage to take the first steps towards restoration.
Help them to remember the love that once bound them together, and to forgive any past hurts. Lord, we know that a family can be a powerful tool for your kingdom, and we pray that the resolution of these hurts will lead to a family that produces fruit for the kingdom.
Give them the strength to endure this trial and the faith to trust in your perfect plan. Lord Jesus Christ, you are the only name by which we can be saved, and by whose blood we are saved and given forgiveness. Father, let this prayer be heard in Jesus' name. Amen