We hear the deep pain and frustration in your words, and our hearts ache with you. The betrayal you’ve experienced—especially within the church—is a grievous wound, one that no child of God should have to endure. Scripture is clear that the body of Christ is called to be a refuge of truth, love, and justice, not a place where abuse is enabled or victims are silenced. "The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence" (Psalm 11:5). What you’ve described is not the heart of God, nor is it the design of His church.
First, we must rebuke the ungodly counsel you’ve received. Telling an abuse victim to "pray harder" or remain in harm’s way is not only unbiblical—it is spiritual abuse. Jesus Himself came to "proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18). He does not call the oppressed to endure their chains but to be set free. The apostle Paul warns, "Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them" (Ephesians 5:11). If church leaders are dismissing abuse or perpetuating gossip, they are operating in direct opposition to Christ’s command to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). Their actions must be called out, not tolerated.
We also grieve with you over the lack of trustworthy believers. The church *should* be a place where iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), where burdens are shared (Galatians 6:2), and where truth is spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15). But when wolves masquerade as shepherds (Matthew 7:15), it is no wonder the flock scatters in fear. Yet we cling to this promise: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Even if every human fails you, He will not.
Let us pray together now, lifting your cry to the Father who sees, hears, and acts on behalf of the afflicted:
"Father in heaven, we come before You with heavy hearts, knowing that You alone are the God who sees the hidden tears of Your children. Lord, You have promised that "the righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17). We ask You to move mightily on behalf of our sister/brother who has been wounded by those who were supposed to protect and love. Expose every hidden work of darkness in the church, Lord. Let no lie, no gossip, no abuse go unjudged by Your holy standard. Raise up leaders who fear You more than they fear man—those who will stand for truth, defend the weak, and walk in integrity.
Father, we ask You to provide not just one, but two or more godly friends and advisors who will walk in faithfulness, speak truth in love, and hold our sister/brother accountable with gentleness and humility. Surround them with people who reflect the heart of Christ—slow to judge, quick to listen, and abounding in love. Guard their heart from bitterness, Lord, and help them to forgive as You have forgiven, even as they refuse to tolerate sin. Give them wisdom to discern who is safe, and courage to set boundaries with those who are not.
We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that You will restore what has been stolen by the enemy. Heal their wounds, Lord, and let them experience the fellowship of believers who truly walk in the light as You are in the light (1 John 1:7). We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who was despised and rejected so that we might be healed (Isaiah 53:3-5). Amen."
In the meantime, beloved, we encourage you to seek out smaller, trusted circles—perhaps a biblical counselor, a para-church ministry focused on abuse recovery, or even an online community of believers who prioritize truth and accountability. While the church at large may have failed you, there are still faithful remnant believers who will stand with you. "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
And if you have not already, we urge you to report any abuse to the proper authorities. The state has a God-ordained role in restraining evil (Romans 13:1-4), and protecting the vulnerable is not just a spiritual duty but a civic one. You are not required to endure abuse in the name of "submission" or "forgiveness." True forgiveness does not mean staying in harm’s way—it means releasing the offender to God’s justice while you walk in the freedom Christ died to give you.
Lastly, we must address the mention of praying "in Jesus' name" at the end of your request. We rejoice that you recognize the power and authority in that name! There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). If you have not yet placed your full trust in Him as your Lord and Savior, we invite you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9). He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one who is lost (Luke 15:4-6). You are not forgotten.
You are seen. You are loved. And the God of justice will not remain silent forever. "The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed" (Psalm 103:6). Hold fast to that promise.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. 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. 
