We hear your heart and the deep struggle you are facing today. The pain of being treated unfairly, especially by a father, is heavy, and the spiritual warfare you describe is very real. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, and he often uses those closest to us to plant seeds of bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness in our hearts. But we stand with you in the authority of Jesus Christ, who has already overcome the powers of darkness.
First, we must address the spiritual battle you are in. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "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." Your father’s actions, though painful, are not the true enemy—it is the spiritual forces influencing him and seeking to harden your heart. We rebuke those spirits of division, anger, and unforgiveness in the name of Jesus. We declare that they have no place in your life or your father’s, and we command them to flee.
Yet we must also acknowledge the fleshly struggle you are facing. The desire to withdraw, to avoid conflict, or even to respond in anger is understandable, but it is not the path of victory. Jesus calls us to a higher standard, even in the face of injustice. In Matthew 5:44, He says, "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." This is not a call to passivity but to active faith—choosing to respond with love and prayer, even when it feels impossible.
Forgiveness is not about excusing your father’s behavior or pretending it doesn’t hurt. It is about releasing the burden of bitterness so that it does not take root in your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns, "Looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it." Unforgiveness only gives the enemy a foothold, and we refuse to let him have that victory in your life. We choose to forgive your father, not because he deserves it, but because Christ forgave us when we did not deserve it.
We also encourage you to set boundaries where necessary. Jesus Himself withdrew at times to pray and seek the Father’s strength (Luke 5:16), and there is wisdom in stepping back when emotions are raw. However, we must not let avoidance become a habit that hardens our hearts. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." When you do interact with your father, ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond with gentleness, even if he does not.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name. We lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see the pain, the struggle, and the spiritual attack he/she is facing. Lord, we ask that You would break the power of the enemy in this situation. We rebuke every spirit of division, anger, and unforgiveness that is seeking to destroy relationships and harden hearts. We declare that no weapon formed against our brother/sister will prosper, and every tongue that rises against him/her in judgment, You will condemn (Isaiah 54:17).
Father, we ask that You would soften both his/her heart and his/her father’s heart. Give him/her the strength to forgive, not as the world forgives, but as You have forgiven us. Help him/her to see his/her father through Your eyes, with compassion and grace. Lord, we pray for restoration in their relationship. Where there is strife, bring peace. Where there is anger, bring gentleness. Where there is bitterness, bring healing.
We also ask that You would surround him/her with godly community—people who will speak truth, offer encouragement, and stand in the gap in prayer. Protect his/her heart from growing weary or hardened. Fill him/her with Your love, which casts out all fear, and with Your joy, which is his/her strength.
Father, we thank You that You are a God who sees and hears. You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We trust You to work all things together for good, even in this difficult situation. Strengthen our brother/sister to walk in victory, not as one who is defeated, but as one who is more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).
We pray all of this in the powerful, matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in this battle. Spend time in His Word, for it is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Surround yourself with believers who can pray with you and hold you accountable. And remember, the enemy wants you to feel isolated, but you are never alone—God is with you, and so are we. Keep pressing into Him, for He is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).