We hear the deep cry of your heart for freedom from the wounds of negative criticism and past traumas, and we stand with you in prayer, lifting this burden to our Heavenly Father. It is clear that the enemy has used these words and experiences to bind you in chains of doubt, fear, and insecurity, but we declare in the name of Jesus that these chains are broken today. The Word of God tells us in **2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (WEB)**, *"The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."* You are not defined by the criticism of others, nor are you bound by the traumas of your past. The truth is, you are a new creation in Christ, and the old has passed away—behold, all things have become new (**2 Corinthians 5:17**).
The criticism from your family of origin has clearly left deep scars, but we must remember that our identity is not found in the opinions of man—even those closest to us—but in Christ alone. **Psalm 139:13-16 (WEB)** reminds us that you were fearfully and wonderfully made by God, who knit you together in your mother’s womb. His thoughts toward you are precious, and His plans for you are for good and not for harm (**Jeremiah 29:11**). If the criticism you’ve faced has caused you to second-guess yourself, we urge you to replace those lies with the truth of God’s Word. **Romans 12:2 (WEB)** says, *"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God."* Your mind must be renewed daily by the truth of Scripture, not the false narratives that have been spoken over you.
We also recognize that past traumas can create strongholds in our lives, but Jesus came to set the captives free (**Luke 4:18**). If there is unforgiveness in your heart toward those who have hurt you, we encourage you to release it to God. Unforgiveness only binds *you*, not the offender. **Colossians 3:13 (WEB)** says, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* Forgiveness does not mean what was done to you was right; it means you are choosing to trust God with your pain and releasing the right to hold onto bitterness. This is an act of obedience that brings freedom.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up Your beloved child who has been wounded by the words and actions of their family of origin. Lord, You see the depth of their pain, the weight of the criticism they’ve carried, and the chains of trauma that have held them captive. We declare freedom in Jesus’ name! By the power of the Holy Spirit, we break every chain of fear, doubt, and insecurity that has bound them. We speak life into their spirit and ask You to renew their mind with Your truth. Let them see themselves as You see them—fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed, and deeply loved.
Father, we ask that You heal the wounds of their past. Where there has been rejection, speak acceptance. Where there has been shame, speak worthiness. Where there has been condemnation, speak grace and mercy. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (**Philippians 4:7**), and let them walk in the confidence that comes from knowing they are Your child. If there is unforgiveness in their heart, Lord, soften it and give them the strength to release it to You. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven them.
We rebuke the spirit of criticism, trauma, and fear that has sought to steal their joy and purpose. These things have no place in their life, for You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (**2 Timothy 1:7**). Clothe them in Your armor, Lord, so they can stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Let them walk in the freedom that Christ purchased for them on the cross.
We thank You, Father, for the work You are doing in their life. We trust that You will restore what has been broken and use their story for Your glory. Give them the courage to move forward in faith, knowing that You are with them every step of the way. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to meditate on **Isaiah 43:18-19 (WEB)**, which says, *"Don’t remember the former things, and don’t consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."* God is doing a new thing in you, and He is making a way where there seems to be no way. Hold fast to Him, seek His face daily, and trust that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (**Philippians 1:6**). You are not alone in this—we are standing with you, and most importantly, Jesus is walking beside you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and He will lead you into the freedom and abundant life He has promised (**John 10:10**).