I just asked for prayer about a dangerous ex neighbor who keeps trying to pop up in my family's life by using my mother (who is extremely gullible and stubborn and won't cease contact with this woman even though we've all asked her to) to do so. Now this person is trying to lure us to her house tomorrow. Please pray for God to put a stop to this. The enemy has been using this ex neighbor to target myself and my family and now she "just happens" to randomly show up when I'm struggling in my faith. There is also another neighbor who still lives near us who was used by the enemy to bring this person back in our lives this year after we had not been bothered by her for a long time. I love where I live but many of the neighbors have been very difficult to deal with. I'm also growing so tired of my mother. My mother is a professing Christian but is spiritually and emotionally disturbed and she makes some of the most unwise, worst choices as a mother, grandmother and wife that have affected us all badly. I'm beginning to have a lot of resentment toward her. I chose to care for my parents but I'm all by myself and have no one to help me with the amount of dysfunction that my parents cause. My oldest sister does nothing to help and is very selfish. Please pray about all this. Thank you.
Ex ###
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We hear your cry and we join with you in bringing this heavy burden before the Lord, for we know He sees the danger and the exhaustion you are carrying as you try to care for your parents alone while dealing with difficult neighbors and this persistent intrusion from your former neighbor.
We recognize what you have discerned, that our struggle is not merely against people but against spiritual forces, for as it is written Ephesians 6:12 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. The enemy does indeed prowl around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour as in 1 Peter 5:8, and it is not surprising that this harassment would intensify when you are struggling in your faith. Yet we take comfort that the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one as in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and that he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty as in Psalm 91:1.
We want to gently address two areas with biblical truth. First, regarding your mother, we understand how wearying it is when someone you love and honor is gullible and stubborn and makes unwise choices that affect the whole family, and when you have pleaded with her and she will not listen. We hear your growing resentment and we do not condemn you for feeling tired and hurt, yet we must encourage you not to let that resentment take root and become bitterness, for it is written Hebrews 12:15 that a root of bitterness springing up can trouble you and defile many, and Ephesians 4:31-32 calls us to let all bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice be put away from you, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Honoring your mother as in Exodus 20:12 does not mean you must follow her into an unwise or dangerous situation or allow her to override the boundaries God gives you for protection. You are an adult caregiver, not a child under her authority, and you have wisdom from God to set loving but firm boundaries, even if she is offended. Second, we notice your request mentions God and the enemy but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father, for Jesus said John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, and Acts 4:12 tells us there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. It is by His name and His blood that we can boldly ask for protection and deliverance, and we want to be sure you know Him as your Savior and are coming to God through Him.
We encourage you with practical wisdom as well. If this ex neighbor is truly dangerous and is trying to lure you to her house tomorrow, we urge you not to go. Trust the discernment God is giving you. You are not obligated to accept an invitation that puts you or your family at risk, even if your mother pressures you. If possible, seek counsel from a trusted pastor or elder in your church, and if there is any threat or harassment, do not hesitate to seek appropriate help from authorities, for God has ordained them for protection. Strive to live peaceably with all men as far as it depends on you as in Romans 12:18, but that does not mean inviting danger into your home. Ask God for wisdom, for James 1:5 promises if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. For your weariness as a caregiver, remember Jesus invites you Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. You should not carry this alone, and we pray God will raise up help, whether through your church family or other support, for Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens.
We now pray together with you.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, and we thank You that we can approach Your throne of grace through Him alone. We lift up this dear one and their family to You and ask for Your divine protection over them. Place a hedge around them and put a stop to the schemes of this former neighbor and any others being used to harass them. We pray that You would thwart any plan to lure them into harm tomorrow and give them clear wisdom, courage, and unity as a family to say no and to stay away. We ask You to expose and restrain every work of the enemy that seeks to target them when they are weak in faith, and strengthen their faith anew. We pray for their mother, that You would open her eyes to the danger, soften her stubborn heart, grant her godly wisdom and discernment, and heal what is spiritually and emotionally disturbed within her. Help this caregiver to honor their mother without enabling unwise choices, and to release resentment and receive Your grace to forgive. We pray for the sister and for peace in the family, and that You would provide tangible help and relief for the burden of caregiving. We pray for the neighbors who are difficult, that You would bring peace to that street and let Your presence be a shield. Comfort this weary heart, renew their strength, and let them feel Your nearness, for You are close to the brokenhearted. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, amen.
We recognize what you have discerned, that our struggle is not merely against people but against spiritual forces, for as it is written Ephesians 6:12 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. The enemy does indeed prowl around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour as in 1 Peter 5:8, and it is not surprising that this harassment would intensify when you are struggling in your faith. Yet we take comfort that the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one as in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and that he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty as in Psalm 91:1.
We want to gently address two areas with biblical truth. First, regarding your mother, we understand how wearying it is when someone you love and honor is gullible and stubborn and makes unwise choices that affect the whole family, and when you have pleaded with her and she will not listen. We hear your growing resentment and we do not condemn you for feeling tired and hurt, yet we must encourage you not to let that resentment take root and become bitterness, for it is written Hebrews 12:15 that a root of bitterness springing up can trouble you and defile many, and Ephesians 4:31-32 calls us to let all bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice be put away from you, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Honoring your mother as in Exodus 20:12 does not mean you must follow her into an unwise or dangerous situation or allow her to override the boundaries God gives you for protection. You are an adult caregiver, not a child under her authority, and you have wisdom from God to set loving but firm boundaries, even if she is offended. Second, we notice your request mentions God and the enemy but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father, for Jesus said John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, and Acts 4:12 tells us there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. It is by His name and His blood that we can boldly ask for protection and deliverance, and we want to be sure you know Him as your Savior and are coming to God through Him.
We encourage you with practical wisdom as well. If this ex neighbor is truly dangerous and is trying to lure you to her house tomorrow, we urge you not to go. Trust the discernment God is giving you. You are not obligated to accept an invitation that puts you or your family at risk, even if your mother pressures you. If possible, seek counsel from a trusted pastor or elder in your church, and if there is any threat or harassment, do not hesitate to seek appropriate help from authorities, for God has ordained them for protection. Strive to live peaceably with all men as far as it depends on you as in Romans 12:18, but that does not mean inviting danger into your home. Ask God for wisdom, for James 1:5 promises if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. For your weariness as a caregiver, remember Jesus invites you Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. You should not carry this alone, and we pray God will raise up help, whether through your church family or other support, for Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens.
We now pray together with you.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, and we thank You that we can approach Your throne of grace through Him alone. We lift up this dear one and their family to You and ask for Your divine protection over them. Place a hedge around them and put a stop to the schemes of this former neighbor and any others being used to harass them. We pray that You would thwart any plan to lure them into harm tomorrow and give them clear wisdom, courage, and unity as a family to say no and to stay away. We ask You to expose and restrain every work of the enemy that seeks to target them when they are weak in faith, and strengthen their faith anew. We pray for their mother, that You would open her eyes to the danger, soften her stubborn heart, grant her godly wisdom and discernment, and heal what is spiritually and emotionally disturbed within her. Help this caregiver to honor their mother without enabling unwise choices, and to release resentment and receive Your grace to forgive. We pray for the sister and for peace in the family, and that You would provide tangible help and relief for the burden of caregiving. We pray for the neighbors who are difficult, that You would bring peace to that street and let Your presence be a shield. Comfort this weary heart, renew their strength, and let them feel Your nearness, for You are close to the brokenhearted. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, amen.
We hear how worn down you are carrying this. To be the only one caring for your parents while also trying to protect your family from a neighbor who keeps pushing back in, and feeling like your own mother keeps opening the door to it, would leave anyone exhausted and on edge. And facing that invitation for tomorrow while you are already struggling in your faith makes it feel even heavier.
It makes sense that resentment toward your mother has been building. When you love someone and keep making sacrifices for them, yet their choices keep creating more hurt for you and for others you love, that gap between what you hoped would happen and what is happening can turn into deep frustration. Wanting to forgive and still feeling the ache at the same time is common, and it does not mean you have failed.
For tomorrow, it may help to decide ahead of time what your boundary will be and keep it simple. If you have decided not to go, let your mother know calmly and briefly beforehand that you and your family will not be going to that house, and then stick with that one answer without debating it. Let a trusted pastor or friend know your plan so you are not holding it alone, and keep your home as a quiet place tomorrow if you can.
You also should not have to carry your parents' care by yourself indefinitely. We encourage you to talk with a pastor or elder soon about what support might be possible, whether that is help from your church family, a family meeting to clearly ask your sister to share the load, or community resources for caregivers.
Father, we bring this family before You in Jesus' name. We ask for Your protection and peace over their home tomorrow, for wisdom and calm words with their mother, and for rest and help for our friend who feels so alone in caregiving. Lead them step by step and remind them You see and care for them. Amen.
It makes sense that resentment toward your mother has been building. When you love someone and keep making sacrifices for them, yet their choices keep creating more hurt for you and for others you love, that gap between what you hoped would happen and what is happening can turn into deep frustration. Wanting to forgive and still feeling the ache at the same time is common, and it does not mean you have failed.
For tomorrow, it may help to decide ahead of time what your boundary will be and keep it simple. If you have decided not to go, let your mother know calmly and briefly beforehand that you and your family will not be going to that house, and then stick with that one answer without debating it. Let a trusted pastor or friend know your plan so you are not holding it alone, and keep your home as a quiet place tomorrow if you can.
You also should not have to carry your parents' care by yourself indefinitely. We encourage you to talk with a pastor or elder soon about what support might be possible, whether that is help from your church family, a family meeting to clearly ask your sister to share the load, or community resources for caregivers.
Father, we bring this family before You in Jesus' name. We ask for Your protection and peace over their home tomorrow, for wisdom and calm words with their mother, and for rest and help for our friend who feels so alone in caregiving. Lead them step by step and remind them You see and care for them. Amen.
Savannah20
Beloved of All
I prayed for this in Jesus Name.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your cry has come before us and we have carried it to the throne of grace, for it is a solid and substantial fact that prayer does avail with God. We have heard your weariness under a long trial, the vexation of an ex neighbor who seeks again to intrude upon your family, the use made of your mother to open a door you have sought to close, and the pressure of an invitation for tomorrow which you discern to be unwise and ensnaring. We have heard also of another neighbor whose meddling has revived this trouble, of many difficult providences where you live, and of the heavier and nearer sorrow within your own household.
You love where you live and yet you are much tried there. You love your mother and yet you confess a growing resentment toward her. You have chosen, honourably and at great cost, to care for your parents, and you do it largely alone, without the help of your sister, and with a mother who though she professes Christ yet walks in ways which you rightly see as spiritually and emotionally disturbed and productive of much harm to you all as wife and mother and grandmother. To feel the weight of this and to find your faith staggering under it is not strange. When faith swoons and confidence staggers, things go very hard with us. Yet even then we may do as Jonah did inside the fish, when he said, I am cast out of Your sight, yet I will look again toward Your holy temple. There are no emergencies and times of severe pressure with God. With Him all things are possible, therefore will we remember the Lord.
We will pray as you have asked, that the Lord in His wise providence would put a stop to this harmful intrusion and set a hedge about you and your household. If this woman is indeed dangerous and used of the enemy to unsettle you, you are right to seek distance and not to be lured to her house. Forward is the word of Scripture when the way is blocked, and sometimes to go forward is to stand still from an evil path and to go forward in the path of obedience. Do not be pressed by mere importunity to go where conscience and prudence warn you not to go. You need not answer harshly, but you may answer firmly and quietly, and commit the keeping of your home to Him who watches without slumbering. Pray also for that neighbor who still lives near you, that the Lord would restrain what is mischievous and turn hearts to peace.
For your mother, we pray with you with peculiar tenderness. Honour to a mother remains the command of God even when her judgment is weak and her choices are unwise, and honour does not require you to yield to every persuasion she brings from others. You may love her, honour her, care for her daily needs, and yet with meek firmness decline to follow her into folly. Guard your heart against resentment, lest bitterness take root. Resentment, though it seems natural to one so wearied, will only drink up your own spirit and leave you empty. Wine does not fill, and neither does anger. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking truth in love, giving thanks, and walking in obedience. When you are filled with the Spirit you will find strength to bear with those who try you and to love most those who treat you worst, not by your own power but by His. Your mother needs your prayers more than your reproaches, and your prayers will avail more than your arguments with one who is gullible and stubborn.
For your own soul, struggling in faith and feeling the enemy near at the very moment of your weakness, hear this gracious word. God has dealt graciously with you in giving you even the desire to look to Him. If you earnestly desire to love God, you do love Him. He sees you in your weariness with tender and loving eyes. Use the strong muscles of the fully developed man and stand upright with a faith which staggers not because of unbelief. You have tasted that He is gracious, be not content with the taste only, but press forward to more communion, more fellowship with the Father and with the Son. The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses from all sin, and that blood is your plea when you feel cast out of His sight.
You say you are alone in this care and that your sister does nothing to help. We pray the Lord would raise up help for you, and we would remind you that the Church of Christ is a true mother, a tender and affectionate nursing mother to all her offspring. Do not bear this alone in secret. Make your need known to faithful brethren and sisters, to your pastor and elders, that they may come alongside you, plead with God for this particular blessing, and share the burden which is too heavy for one.
Let us pray together.
O Lord our God, who hears the prayer of the needy and remembers those who look again toward Your holy temple, we bring before You this tried child and this tried family. Put a restraint upon those who would do harm, and disappoint every snare laid for Your people. Give wisdom to decline what ought to be declined, and courage to do it with gentleness and quietness. Have mercy upon the mother, forgive her unwise ways, awaken her to walk more soberly and faithfully, and give her child grace to honour her without resentment and to love her without yielding to sin. Have mercy upon the ex neighbor and upon the neighbor near at hand, and turn them from meddling and mischief. Strengthen the hands that are weary with continual caregiving, provide helpers where there has been selfish neglect, and pour out Your Spirit that this soul may be filled not with wine wherein is excess but with Your own holy presence. Keep this one from fainting, lift up the head that hangs down, and cause faith to look forward and not backward. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our only Saviour, who bought us with a great price and to whom we give ourselves. Amen.
You love where you live and yet you are much tried there. You love your mother and yet you confess a growing resentment toward her. You have chosen, honourably and at great cost, to care for your parents, and you do it largely alone, without the help of your sister, and with a mother who though she professes Christ yet walks in ways which you rightly see as spiritually and emotionally disturbed and productive of much harm to you all as wife and mother and grandmother. To feel the weight of this and to find your faith staggering under it is not strange. When faith swoons and confidence staggers, things go very hard with us. Yet even then we may do as Jonah did inside the fish, when he said, I am cast out of Your sight, yet I will look again toward Your holy temple. There are no emergencies and times of severe pressure with God. With Him all things are possible, therefore will we remember the Lord.
We will pray as you have asked, that the Lord in His wise providence would put a stop to this harmful intrusion and set a hedge about you and your household. If this woman is indeed dangerous and used of the enemy to unsettle you, you are right to seek distance and not to be lured to her house. Forward is the word of Scripture when the way is blocked, and sometimes to go forward is to stand still from an evil path and to go forward in the path of obedience. Do not be pressed by mere importunity to go where conscience and prudence warn you not to go. You need not answer harshly, but you may answer firmly and quietly, and commit the keeping of your home to Him who watches without slumbering. Pray also for that neighbor who still lives near you, that the Lord would restrain what is mischievous and turn hearts to peace.
For your mother, we pray with you with peculiar tenderness. Honour to a mother remains the command of God even when her judgment is weak and her choices are unwise, and honour does not require you to yield to every persuasion she brings from others. You may love her, honour her, care for her daily needs, and yet with meek firmness decline to follow her into folly. Guard your heart against resentment, lest bitterness take root. Resentment, though it seems natural to one so wearied, will only drink up your own spirit and leave you empty. Wine does not fill, and neither does anger. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking truth in love, giving thanks, and walking in obedience. When you are filled with the Spirit you will find strength to bear with those who try you and to love most those who treat you worst, not by your own power but by His. Your mother needs your prayers more than your reproaches, and your prayers will avail more than your arguments with one who is gullible and stubborn.
For your own soul, struggling in faith and feeling the enemy near at the very moment of your weakness, hear this gracious word. God has dealt graciously with you in giving you even the desire to look to Him. If you earnestly desire to love God, you do love Him. He sees you in your weariness with tender and loving eyes. Use the strong muscles of the fully developed man and stand upright with a faith which staggers not because of unbelief. You have tasted that He is gracious, be not content with the taste only, but press forward to more communion, more fellowship with the Father and with the Son. The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses from all sin, and that blood is your plea when you feel cast out of His sight.
You say you are alone in this care and that your sister does nothing to help. We pray the Lord would raise up help for you, and we would remind you that the Church of Christ is a true mother, a tender and affectionate nursing mother to all her offspring. Do not bear this alone in secret. Make your need known to faithful brethren and sisters, to your pastor and elders, that they may come alongside you, plead with God for this particular blessing, and share the burden which is too heavy for one.
Let us pray together.
O Lord our God, who hears the prayer of the needy and remembers those who look again toward Your holy temple, we bring before You this tried child and this tried family. Put a restraint upon those who would do harm, and disappoint every snare laid for Your people. Give wisdom to decline what ought to be declined, and courage to do it with gentleness and quietness. Have mercy upon the mother, forgive her unwise ways, awaken her to walk more soberly and faithfully, and give her child grace to honour her without resentment and to love her without yielding to sin. Have mercy upon the ex neighbor and upon the neighbor near at hand, and turn them from meddling and mischief. Strengthen the hands that are weary with continual caregiving, provide helpers where there has been selfish neglect, and pour out Your Spirit that this soul may be filled not with wine wherein is excess but with Your own holy presence. Keep this one from fainting, lift up the head that hangs down, and cause faith to look forward and not backward. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our only Saviour, who bought us with a great price and to whom we give ourselves. Amen.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.
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