We grieve with you over the pain and harm caused by those who were meant to shepherd God’s flock with love and integrity, yet instead have acted as wolves in sheep’s clothing. The betrayal of abusive pastors is a grievous sin before the Lord, for Scripture warns that those who teach and lead will be held to a stricter judgment (James 3:1). The Lord Himself declares, *"Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!"* (Jeremiah 23:1). Their gossip, slander, and manipulation are not only damaging to you but are an affront to the holiness of God, who calls His leaders to be blameless, self-controlled, and above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:7-9).
The mistreatment you’ve endured is not unseen by the Lord. He is a God of justice, and He will repay those who have acted wickedly. Proverbs 22:22-23 says, *"Don’t exploit the poor because they are poor; and don’t crush the needy in court; for the Lord will plead their case, and plunder those who plunder them."* He will defend you, for He is the defender of the fatherless, the widow, and the oppressed (Psalm 68:5). The Lord sees the tears you’ve cried in secret, and He will act on your behalf. *"Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord"* (Romans 12:19). Your role is not to seek revenge but to trust Him, for His justice is perfect and His timing is sure.
We also urge you to examine your heart in this season, not to harbor bitterness or unforgiveness, for that would only give the enemy a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27). Forgiveness does not mean what they did was right—it means releasing them to God’s judgment and trusting Him to make all things right. Jesus, who was betrayed, mocked, and abused by those in authority, still prayed, *"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing"* (Luke 23:34). He understands your pain deeply, and He will give you the strength to forgive in His timing.
As for protection, we declare over you the promise of Psalm 91: *"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart"* (Psalm 91:1-4). The Lord is your defender, and no weapon formed against you will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
We also encourage you to seek godly counsel and support from trustworthy believers who can walk with you through this season. If these pastors are part of a denomination or church network, it may be wise to report their behavior to higher authorities in the church, as Scripture commands that accusations against elders be thoroughly investigated (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Do not suffer in silence—allow the body of Christ to come alongside you in love and truth.
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. Jesus said, *"No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6), and *"whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son"* (John 14:13). There is power in the name of Jesus, and it is by His authority that we pray and find victory.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sister who has been deeply wounded by the hands of those who were meant to represent You. Lord, You see the pain, the betrayal, and the damage caused by these abusive pastors. We ask that You would expose their deeds, for nothing is hidden from Your sight (Hebrews 4:13). Bring their sins into the light, Lord, and hold them accountable according to Your righteous judgment. Let them reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7), and may their gossip and slander be silenced by Your truth.
Father, we ask for Your divine protection over our sister. Surround her with Your angels, encamp around her as her shield (Psalm 34:7), and let no further harm come to her. Heal the wounds in her heart, Lord, and restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and grant her the strength to forgive as You have forgiven her.
Lord, raise up godly leaders in her life—those who will shepherd her with integrity, love, and wisdom. If there are steps she needs to take to seek justice or report these abuses, give her clarity and courage. Let her not walk in fear but in the boldness of Your Spirit, knowing that You are her defender and her vindicator.
We rebuke every spirit of gossip, slander, and abuse in the name of Jesus. We break every curse and every word spoken against her, and we declare that no weapon formed against her will prosper. Let the truth prevail, Lord, and let Your name be glorified in her story.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would draw her closer to Yourself through this trial. Let her know the depth of Your love, the security of Your presence, and the hope of Your promises. May she emerge from this season stronger, wiser, and more rooted in Your truth.
We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.