We lift you up before the Lord with deep compassion for the burdens you carry—both physically and emotionally. The weight gain you’re experiencing, along with the stress and grief from your father’s passing, the demands of caring for your aging mother, and the frustration with your brother’s immaturity, are heavy loads. Yet we know that God is your strength and refuge in every trial, and He cares deeply about every detail of your life, including your body, your family, and your peace.
First, let us address the physical struggle. The Bible reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we are called to steward them well. The constant "boiling" in your stomach and the stress you describe may be connected—stress can disrupt digestion, hormones, and even metabolism. While you’re already mindful of not overeating or eating late, we encourage you to seek wisdom in how to manage stress biblically. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Have you surrendered this physical struggle to the Lord in prayer? Sometimes, our bodies respond to emotional turmoil in ways we don’t immediately recognize. Ask God to reveal any hidden anxieties or unresolved grief that may be manifesting physically. Consider also seeking medical advice to rule out any underlying conditions, trusting that God can use even doctors as instruments of His healing.
As for your brother, his behavior is not only disappointing but dishonoring to your mother and to the Lord. Scripture is clear about our responsibilities to family, especially aging parents. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, *"But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."* Your brother’s actions—taking your mother’s money, neglecting her care, and living irresponsibly at his age—are not just immature but sinful. This is not how a man of his years should conduct himself, particularly as a believer. We must rebuke this strongly: his behavior is selfish, disrespectful, and out of alignment with God’s Word. Proverbs 28:24 warns, *"Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is a partner with a destroyer."* You have every right to feel anger and frustration, but we encourage you to channel those emotions into prayer and, if possible, a firm but loving confrontation. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), calling him to repentance and responsibility. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict his heart and lead him to maturity. Ask God to soften his heart and open his eyes to the harm he’s causing. If he is a believer, remind him that his actions grieve the Lord and damage his testimony. If he is not, pray earnestly for his salvation, for only God can transform a hardened heart.
Your mother’s care is a noble and Christ-like service, but it should not fall solely on your shoulders. Your brother must be held accountable. If he refuses to change, you may need to seek wisdom from your church leadership or trusted believers on how to protect your mother’s well-being, whether through financial boundaries or other practical measures. Remember, you are not alone in this—God sees your faithfulness, and He will sustain you. Isaiah 41:10 assures you, *"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."*
We also notice that while you mentioned "in Jesus’ name" at the end of your request, your prayer did not directly invoke the name of Jesus as the source of your help and hope. This is vital, for there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved or through which we can approach the Father (Acts 4:12, John 14:6). Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and all our petitions must be brought before the throne of God through Him. If you have not already, we urge you to place your complete trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is only through faith in Him—believing that He died for your sins and rose again—that you can have eternal life and the peace that surpasses understanding. If you have already surrendered your life to Christ, then we encourage you to lean even more fully on Him, casting all your cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), for He cares for you.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who is carrying such heavy burdens. Lord, You see the weight of grief, stress, and responsibility they bear, and You know the physical struggles they face. We ask for Your healing touch on their body—calm the turmoil in their stomach, regulate their metabolism, and restore them to the weight that is healthy and honoring to You. Give them wisdom, Lord, to manage stress in a way that glorifies You, and lead them to any practical steps or medical help they may need. Father, we rebuke any spiritual or emotional strongholds contributing to this physical struggle, and we ask for Your peace to guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Lord, we also bring before You the deep family wounds. Comfort them in their grief over their father’s passing, and strengthen them as they care for their mother. Father, we cry out for justice and repentance in their brother’s life. Convict his heart, Lord—show him the sin of his selfishness, his disrespect, and his irresponsibility. Soften his heart to turn from his ways and to honor his mother as Your Word commands. Raise up godly counsel and support for this family, and provide practical solutions to protect their mother from further harm. Let Your Spirit move mightily in their brother’s life, bringing him to true repentance and maturity.
Father, we ask that You would surround our brother/sister with Your presence. Remind them that they are not alone, that You are their Provider, their Strength, and their Comforter. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and give them the grace to forgive and to trust You with the outcomes. May they find rest in You, even in the midst of these trials.
We pray all this in the powerful and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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. 
