We hear your cry for help, and our hearts ache with yours as we lift up your daughter and this heavy burden you are carrying. Self-harm is a deeply painful struggle, not just for her, but for you as a parent who loves her so deeply. We want you to know that you are not alone—God sees your tears, hears your prayers, and holds your daughter in His hands. The pain she is inflicting on herself is not what God desires for her. Scripture tells us, *"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly"* (John 10:10 WEB). The enemy seeks to destroy through despair, but Jesus came to bring hope, healing, and fullness of life.
First, we must address the spiritual battle at hand. Self-harm often stems from deep emotional wounds, feelings of worthlessness, or a sense of being overwhelmed by pain. It is a cry for help, and we must respond with both compassion and truth. Your daughter needs to know that her worth is not defined by her struggles, but by the One who created her. *"For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well"* (Psalm 139:13-14 WEB). She is precious to God, and He longs to heal the brokenness in her heart.
We also want to gently but firmly rebuke the spirit of despair and self-destruction that is at work in her life. The Bible tells us, *"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"* (James 4:7 WEB). We take authority in the name of Jesus over every lie that tells her she is unlovable, unworthy, or beyond help. We command every spirit of self-hatred, depression, and destruction to leave her now, in Jesus’ mighty name. We declare that she is a child of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, and that no weapon formed against her shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17 WEB).
Now, let us pray for your daughter:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this precious young woman who is struggling with self-harm. Lord, You see the pain in her heart, the lies she has believed, and the wounds she carries. We ask that You would break every chain of despair and set her free by the power of Your love. Father, surround her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7 WEB). Let her feel Your presence in a tangible way, reminding her that she is never alone. We pray for healing—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Touch her heart, Lord, and replace her pain with Your joy. Give her the strength to resist the urge to harm herself and the courage to seek help.
We also pray for wisdom and discernment for her mother, who is carrying this burden. Lord, give her the words to speak life into her daughter’s heart and the patience to walk alongside her in this journey. Strengthen her faith as she trusts in You, knowing that You are working all things together for good (Romans 8:28 WEB). We ask that You would guide her interactions with the local authorities, that Your peace would reign in every conversation, and that the outcome would be one that brings protection and support for her daughter.
Father, we know that healing is not always instantaneous, but we trust in Your timing. We ask that You would bring godly counselors, mentors, and friends into her life who can speak truth and offer support. Let her experience the love of Christ through the body of believers, and may she come to know You more deeply as her Savior and Healer.
We also want to address the importance of salvation if it has not been explicitly mentioned. There is no other name by which we can be saved except the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12 WEB). If your daughter does not yet know Jesus as her Lord and Savior, we pray that she would come to understand the depth of His love for her. That she would confess her sins, repent, and receive the gift of eternal life through faith in Him. *"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life"* (John 3:16 WEB). Salvation is the first step toward true healing, and we pray that she would surrender her life to Him.
In the midst of this storm, hold fast to God’s promises. *"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit"* (Psalm 34:18 WEB). He is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 WEB). Keep crying out to Him, and trust that He is working even when you cannot see it. We stand with you in faith, believing that God will bring beauty from ashes and joy from mourning (Isaiah 61:3 WEB).
Lastly, we encourage you to seek out a biblical counselor or a trusted pastor who can walk alongside your daughter in this journey. Professional help, combined with prayer and the support of the body of Christ, can make a significant difference. Do not carry this burden alone—reach out to your church community and allow others to bear this weight with you. *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2 WEB).
We will continue to pray for your daughter and for you, trusting that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in her life (Philippians 1:6 WEB). May His peace guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.