Our hearts ache for your daughter, and we join you in lifting her before the Lord, who is mighty to save and deliver. The bondage she is experiencing—whether through fear, dependency, or emotional manipulation—is not of God, for He calls us to freedom in Christ, not to slavery. *"For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another"* (Galatians 5:13, WEB). Yet this is not the freedom she is experiencing now; instead, she is trapped in a cycle of abuse, and the enemy has twisted her sense of worth and control.
First, we must address the urgency of her situation. Abuse, in any form, is an affront to God’s design for relationships. Scripture is clear: *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for her"* (Ephesians 5:25, WEB). A relationship that inflicts harm—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—is not rooted in Christ’s love but in sin and brokenness. Your daughter deserves dignity, safety, and a love that reflects Christ’s sacrifice, not one that enslaves her. If she is living with this man outside of marriage, this is also sinful in God’s eyes, and we pray she repents and seeks a godly path forward.
Her hesitation to leave because of financial dependency is understandable, but we must remind her—and you—that God is her true Provider. *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:19, WEB). The fear of losing control or being alone is real, but it is better to be alone in the Lord’s care than to remain in a destructive relationship. The drugs, the emotional confusion, and the manipulation she faces are tools the enemy uses to keep her bound. But Jesus came to *"proclaim release to the captives, ... and to let the oppressed go free"* (Luke 4:18, WEB). She must choose to step into that freedom, even when it feels terrifying.
We also sense a spiritual battle here. The confusion she feels—whether it’s Stockholm Syndrome, fear, or the grip of addiction—is not just a human struggle but a fight against principalities and powers. *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12, WEB). This is why prayer is critical. We must bind the enemy’s lies in Jesus’ name and declare truth over her: she is *not* defined by this relationship, her worth is in Christ, and He has a plan for her redemption.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with broken hearts for this precious daughter. You see her pain, her fear, and the chains that hold her captive. Lord, we ask that You break every stronghold in her life—whether it be fear, addiction, financial dependency, or the lies of the enemy that tell her she is trapped. Father, give her the courage to leave this abusive situation and the faith to trust You as her Provider. Surround her with Your angels, Lord, and place godly people in her path who can help her escape and find healing.
We rebuke the spirit of fear, confusion, and bondage in Jesus’ name. No weapon formed against her shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against her in judgment, she shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Father, restore her mind and her strength. Let her know that she is *not* alone—You are with her, and You will never leave her nor forsake her (Deuteronomy 31:6). Give her wisdom to seek help, whether through trusted believers, a pastor, or organizations that can provide safety and support.
Lord, if she has been involved in sin—whether through living with this man outside of marriage or through substance abuse—we ask for Your conviction and mercy. Draw her to repentance, Father, and wash her clean by the blood of Jesus. Let this season of brokenness lead her to a deeper dependence on You, not on man.
We also lift up this mother who is praying for her daughter. Comfort her, Lord, and give her peace that surpasses understanding. Show her how to support her daughter without enabling the sin or the abuse. Unify them in Your truth and love.
Finally, Father, we declare that this daughter is *yours*. She belongs to You, and You have a plan for her life—one of hope, freedom, and purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Break the enemy’s grip over her, Lord, and lead her into the light of Your love. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
To you, dear parent: keep praying, keep speaking truth, and keep pointing her to Jesus. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, you *will* reap if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). If she is open to it, connect her with a biblical counselor or a support group for survivors of abuse. Remind her that her identity is in Christ, not in this man or her circumstances. And above all, keep trusting that God is working, even when you cannot see it. He is faithful, and He will complete the good work He has started in her (Philippians 1:6).