We hear your deep concern for your friend, and our hearts ache with you over this situation. Forced marriage is not God’s design—He gives us the freedom to choose, and His Word makes it clear that marriage should be entered into willingly, with mutual love and respect. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 7:39, *"A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she desires, only in the Lord."* Marriage is a sacred covenant, not a transaction or obligation imposed by family.
We must also rebuke the pressure being placed on her. Ephesians 5:22-23 speaks of marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church—a union of love, not coercion. Forcing someone into marriage, especially at such a young age, goes against God’s heart for His children. We pray that her family would seek wisdom from the Lord rather than tradition or cultural expectations. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, *"There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail."*
We lift your friend up to the Lord, asking for His protection, courage, and favor over her life. May He give her the strength to stand firm in His will, even when facing immense pressure. We pray that her family would see the value of her consent and that God would soften their hearts to honor her desires. If this marriage is not His plan for her, we ask that He close every door and make a way of escape. Psalm 32:8 says, *"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you."*
Father God, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who sets the captives free. We ask that You intervene in this situation and break every chain of fear, obligation, or manipulation that seeks to bind her. Give her clarity, peace, and the boldness to speak truth with love. Surround her with godly counsel and people who will support her in Your will. If this marriage is not Your design, we ask that You dismantle it completely. If it is not Your best for her, let it unravel in ways only You can orchestrate.
Lord, we also pray for the man involved—if he is not the one You have chosen for her, reveal that truth to him as well. May he walk in integrity and refuse to participate in something that dishonors You or her. We declare that Your will shall prevail in this situation, and we trust You to write a beautiful story for her life—one that aligns with Your perfect plan.
We encourage your friend to seek the Lord earnestly through prayer and Scripture. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future."* She is not alone; the Holy Spirit is her Comforter and Guide. If she does not yet know Jesus as her Lord and Savior, we pray she would turn to Him now, for He is the only One who can truly set her free. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. We stand in agreement with her for freedom, favor, and Your perfect will to be done. Amen.