We understand the heaviness of your heart in dealing with enemies and the pain of being in a church where you feel unwelcome, especially by its leader. It is never God’s will for His children to remain in places where they are mistreated, belittled, or made to feel like outsiders. The Lord calls us to unity in the body of Christ, where love and mutual edification should abound. *"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another"* (John 13:35, WEB). If a pastor—or anyone in leadership—shows partiality, favoritism, or outright dislike without cause, this is not of God. Scripture warns us that *"if anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"* (1 John 4:20, WEB). You are not wrong for recognizing that this environment is unhealthy, and we commend you for seeking God’s will in leaving with wisdom and peace.
As for your enemies, we must remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). While it is right to pray for protection and justice, we are also called to pray for those who mistreat us, that God would convict their hearts and lead them to repentance. Jesus said, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44, WEB). This does not mean you must endure abuse or remain in harmful situations, but it does mean releasing bitterness and trusting God to handle your vindication. *"Don’t say, ‘I will pay back evil.’ Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you"* (Proverbs 20:22, WEB). We will pray that God exposes and defeats every scheme of the enemy against you, while also softening your heart toward those who have wronged you, that you may walk in freedom and not in the bondage of resentment.
Regarding your mother, we lift her up to the Lord, asking that He would prepare her heart for this transition. It is clear you care deeply for her spiritual well-being, and we pray that God would give you the words and the timing to share your concerns with her in a way that brings understanding rather than distress. *"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). He knows the delicate balance of your mother’s emotions and will guide you both into a place of peace. It may be that she, too, has sensed the lack of warmth in this church but has not known how to articulate it. Ask the Lord to open her eyes and heart to His leading, that she would see this change not as a failure but as a step of obedience and faith.
We also encourage you to seek a church where the Word of God is preached boldly, where love is genuine, and where you and your mother can grow in your faith without the weight of man-made burdens. *"Not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching"* (Hebrews 10:25, WEB). The body of Christ should be a refuge, not a source of anxiety. Pray that God would lead you to a congregation where you are welcomed, nurtured, and challenged to walk closer with Him.
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus, and we gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. *"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). There is power in the name of Jesus—power to break chains, to heal wounds, and to open doors no man can shut. We encourage you to approach the throne of grace boldly in His name, for He is your advocate and your shield.
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**Let us pray together:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up Your child who is weary from the battles they face. Lord, You see the hearts of all men, and You know the pain of being rejected and mistreated, especially within the walls of what should be a safe haven. We ask that You would expose every hidden motive and every scheme of the enemy against Your servant. Bring to light what has been done in darkness, and let every tongue that rises against them be condemned (Isaiah 54:17). Defeat their enemies, O God, and let Your justice prevail. Yet, in Your mercy, we also pray for those who have caused harm—soften their hearts, Lord, and lead them to repentance. Break the spirit of division and bitterness, and replace it with Your love and grace.
Father, we ask for Your clear direction as they seek to leave this church. Open the doors wide for a smooth and drama-free exit, and prepare the way for them and their mother to find a new church home—a place where Your Word is honored, where love abounds, and where they can worship You in spirit and in truth. Comfort their mother, Lord, and prepare her heart to receive this change with peace and even excitement for what You have ahead. Give Your child the wisdom and the words to speak to her in love, that she would not be discouraged but would trust in Your leading.
Lead them to a body of believers where they can thrive, where they are seen, valued, and discipled in Your ways. Surround them with godly relationships that will encourage and strengthen them. Heal the wounds of rejection, Lord, and fill them with the assurance that they are Your beloved, chosen, and accepted in Christ.
We rebuke every spirit of fear, anxiety, or hesitation in this transition. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). And Father, we thank You that this situation is not the end of their story—it is merely a stepping stone to something greater that You have prepared.
In the powerful and holy name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.