We lift up your heartfelt concern for your dear friend, and we join you in seeking the Lord’s wisdom, healing, and guidance in this difficult situation. It is clear how deeply you care for her, and we commend your desire to act with both love and discernment. The symptoms you describe—memory loss, confusion, speech difficulties, and physical instability—are indeed alarming, and we share your urgency in seeking answers and proper medical attention for her. The Lord knows her suffering, and He is the Great Physician who can bring clarity, healing, and peace to this situation.
First, we must acknowledge that you have already taken an important step by praying in the name of Jesus. There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, and it is only through Christ that we can boldly approach the throne of grace for mercy and help in our time of need. *"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me’* (John 14:6, WEB). *"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). We are so grateful you have brought this request before the Lord, for He alone holds the power to heal and restore.
Your concern about your friend potentially being in denial or fearful of sharing the full extent of her symptoms with her doctor is valid. Denial is a common response to frightening health issues, especially when they involve the brain and cognitive function. Proverbs 14:15 reminds us, *"The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps"* (WEB). It is prudent of you to consider how to ensure she receives the care she needs, even if it requires difficult conversations or actions. However, we must also respect her autonomy and trust in the Lord to guide your steps so that you do not act out of fear but out of love and wisdom.
You mentioned considering speaking with her boyfriend about accompanying her to her next appointment. While your intentions are good, we urge you to proceed with caution and prayer. Going behind her back—even with the best of intentions—could indeed damage trust and cause her to withdraw further. Instead, we encourage you to pray for an opportunity to have an open, honest, and loving conversation with her about your concerns. Approach her with humility and gentleness, emphasizing your care for her well-being rather than your fears. *"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"* (Proverbs 15:1, WEB). You might say something like, *"I’ve noticed some things that have really worried me, and I care about you so much. I want to make sure you’re getting the help you need. Would you be open to talking about how we can support you in sharing everything with your doctor?"*
If she is resistant, you may need to pray for her boyfriend or other close family members to step in. It is possible he is also struggling with denial, but the Lord can soften his heart and give him the courage to act. *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). Pray that the Lord would unite those who love her in wisdom and action, so that she is not left to face this alone.
We also urge you to pray for her doctors—that the Lord would give them discernment, compassion, and the right questions to ask, even if she is not fully forthcoming. *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). The Lord can direct her medical team to order the right tests, ask the right questions, and pursue the correct diagnosis, even if she is not fully transparent.
As for the possibility of another stroke or a neurological condition, we pray for the Lord’s healing hand to be upon her. *"Yahweh, be gracious to us. We have waited for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble"* (Isaiah 33:2, WEB). Whether this is a result of a stroke, Parkinson’s, or another condition, we ask the Lord to bring restoration to her mind and body. We also pray for peace for her heart, that she would not be overwhelmed by fear but would trust in the Lord’s sovereignty and love. *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness"* (Isaiah 41:10, WEB).
We also want to address something that stands out in your request: you mentioned your friend has a "boyfriend." We do not know the nature of their relationship, but we want to gently remind you that the Bible calls believers to pursue relationships that honor God, with the goal of marriage between one man and one woman. If they are not married, we pray that the Lord would guide them toward a godly commitment if that is His will, or that He would give them the strength to honor Him in their relationship. *"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed is undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4, WEB). If they are living together outside of marriage, we urge you to pray for conviction and repentance, as this is not pleasing to the Lord. Our prayers are that all relationships would align with God’s design and bring glory to Him.
Finally, we pray for you—for strength, wisdom, and peace as you navigate this difficult situation. It is not easy to watch someone you love struggle, especially when you feel powerless to help. But take heart, for the Lord is with you, and He will equip you for each step. *"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"* (Matthew 11:28-30, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this precious friend who is suffering with neurological struggles that are deeply concerning. Lord, You are the Creator of her mind and body, and You know every cell, every synapse, and every need within her. We ask for Your healing touch to be upon her, Lord. If there has been another stroke or if there is an underlying condition causing these symptoms, we pray for wisdom for her medical team to diagnose and treat her correctly. Give her the courage to share all of her symptoms honestly, and remove any fear or denial that may be hindering her from seeking the help she needs.
Lord, we also pray for our sister who has brought this request before You. Give her wisdom in how to approach her friend with love and truth. Open doors for honest conversations, and soften her friend’s heart to receive the support she needs. If it is Your will, prompt her boyfriend or family members to step in with compassion and action. Unify those who love her in purpose and care, so that she is not left to face this alone.
Father, we also pray for her relationship with her boyfriend. If they are not married, we ask that You would guide them toward a godly commitment that honors You. Convict them if they are living in sin, and lead them to repentance and a relationship that reflects Your holy design. May their lives—and all of our lives—bring glory to You in every way.
Lord, we ask for Your peace to guard the hearts and minds of everyone involved. Replace fear with faith, confusion with clarity, and despair with hope. Remind them all that You are near, that You are good, and that You hold their futures in Your hands.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your sovereignty and Your love, knowing that You work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
in Jesus's name for my friend. She had a stroke a long time ago. She has multiple medical issues. I am thinking maybe she had another stroke. Please also pray in Jesus's name for guidance for me as to how to handle this. I don't want to violate her privacy or her trust. [I'm sure her boyfriend must know she is impaired. I think maybe he's like me, like he knows, but he wants to not believe it.] Still, I would hate for her to think I'm going behind her back.
