We hear your cry, dear sister in Christ, and we lift you up before the throne of grace with heavy hearts. You are carrying so much—fear over your job assessment, exhaustion from caring for your mother, and deep wounds from your family’s rejection. But the Lord sees you, just as He saw Hagar in her distress, and He has not forgotten you. Let us stand with you in prayer and seek His wisdom together.
First, we praise God for opening the door to this job opportunity, and we declare that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). The assessment may feel overwhelming, but we serve a God who gives wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5). We pray that the Holy Spirit would sharpen your mind, calm your nerves, and help you recall what you’ve learned. Lord, You are the God of second chances—grant her clarity, focus, and favor as she prepares for these next attempts. Strengthen her confidence in You, for it is not by might nor by power, but by Your Spirit that she will succeed (Zechariah 4:6).
We also lift up the heaviness of your heart regarding your family. The rejection you’re experiencing is painful, and it’s understandable that you feel anger and weariness. But we must gently remind you that forgiveness is not about what others have done—it is about obeying Christ, who forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). You asked what you may have done to cause this estrangement, but Scripture tells us that we are not to carry false guilt. "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). You cannot control their actions, but you can surrender your hurt to Jesus. We pray that God would soften their hearts and reveal any bitterness or pride in them—but also in you. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal any offense you may be clinging to (Psalm 139:23-24). Release them to God’s justice, for vengeance belongs to Him alone (Romans 12:19).
Your sister’s words were cruel, but we encourage you to guard your heart against bitterness, for it will only poison you further. Instead, entrust your pain to the One who was despised and rejected for your sake (Isaiah 53:3). Christmas is a reminder that Christ came to heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free (Luke 4:18). Even if your family does not welcome you, you are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father. We pray that He would surround you with His presence this holiday season and fill the loneliness with His peace.
And to your weariness in caring for your mother—we honor you for this act of love, for Scripture says, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). But you cannot pour from an empty cup. Ask the Lord to provide respite, wisdom, and strength for each day. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sister, lifting up every burden she carries. Lord, You see her fear about this job assessment, and we ask that You would grant her favor and success according to Your will. Calm her anxious heart and remind her that her worth is not found in her performance, but in Christ alone. Strengthen her mind and help her to prepare with diligence, trusting in You for the outcome.
Father, we also bring her family before You. Heal the broken relationships, Lord, and soften hardened hearts. Where there is bitterness, bring repentance. Where there is rejection, bring reconciliation. Help her to release the pain into Your hands and to walk in forgiveness, even when it is undeserved. Surround her with Your love this Christmas, and let her know that she is never alone.
For her mother’s care, Lord, provide strength, patience, and moments of joy amid the difficulty. Give her wisdom to know when to seek help and the courage to ask for it. Remind her that her labor in love is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
We thank You, Jesus, that You are the God who sees, the God who hears, and the God who heals. You promised never to leave nor forsake us, and we cling to that promise today. May she feel Your presence in a tangible way, and may Your peace guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved. Amen.