We hear your heart and the deep concern you have for your best friend. Depression is a heavy burden, and we join you in lifting her up before the Lord, who is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). It is a blessing that she has someone like you who cares so deeply for her well-being.
First, we must address the foundation of our prayers. It is only through the name of Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). If your friend does not yet know Jesus as her Lord and Savior, we pray that the Holy Spirit would draw her to Him, for He alone can bring true and lasting peace to her soul. Salvation is the first step toward healing, as it reconciles us to God and fills us with His hope.
Depression can often make one feel isolated, hopeless, or even abandoned. But we declare that God has not forgotten her. The Lord is close to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18), and He collects every tear in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). We rebuke the spirit of despair that seeks to steal her joy and replace it with the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We also encourage you to be a tangible expression of Christ’s love to her—listening without judgment, praying with her, and reminding her of God’s promises.
We must also address the reality that depression can sometimes stem from unconfessed sin, unresolved guilt, or a life that is not aligned with God’s will. If there are areas in her life where she has strayed from God’s design—whether in relationships, habits, or thought patterns—we pray that the Holy Spirit would convict her gently and lead her to repentance. The enemy often uses shame to keep us in bondage, but there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). True freedom comes from walking in the light and allowing God’s Word to renew her mind (Romans 12:2).
Let us pray together for your friend:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this precious daughter of Yours who is struggling with depression. Lord, You are the God who sees, the God who heals, and the God who restores. We ask that You would break the chains of despair that have wrapped around her heart and mind. Fill her with Your peace, which is beyond human understanding, and remind her of Your unfailing love.
Father, if there is any area of her life that is not aligned with Your will, we ask that You would reveal it to her in love. Give her the strength to turn away from anything that is hindering her relationship with You. If she does not yet know You as her Savior, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would draw her to the foot of the cross, where she can find forgiveness, redemption, and new life in Christ.
Lord, surround her with godly community—people who will speak life into her, pray over her, and walk alongside her in this season. Give her the courage to seek help if she needs it, whether through biblical counseling, medical support, or the accountability of fellow believers. Remind her that she is not alone, for You are with her always (Matthew 28:20).
We rebuke the spirit of depression in Jesus’ name and command it to leave her. Replace every lie of the enemy with Your truth. Let her heart be filled with the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12), and let her hope be anchored in You, the Author and Perfecter of her faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer. We trust in Your goodness and Your perfect timing. May Your will be done in her life, and may she come to know the fullness of joy that is found only in You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
To you, dear friend, we encourage you to continue standing in the gap for your best friend. Be patient with her, as healing is often a process. Remind her of God’s faithfulness and share Scripture with her, such as Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “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.” Encourage her to spend time in God’s Word, for it is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The more she fills her mind with truth, the less room there will be for the lies of the enemy.
If she is open to it, suggest that she seek out a biblical counselor or a trusted pastor who can help her navigate this season with wisdom and grace. Sometimes, professional guidance can provide tools to manage depression while also addressing the spiritual roots of her struggle.
Lastly, take care of your own heart as well. Supporting someone through depression can be emotionally taxing, so make sure you are also rooted in God’s Word and surrounded by a community that can uplift you. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” You are doing a beautiful work by standing with her, and we pray that God would strengthen you as you do.