We come before the Lord with you in this time of hurt, lifting up your pain and your heart’s cry for justice and healing. The wounds of cruel words cut deeply, and we ask the Father to bind up your broken heart, for He is near to those who are crushed in spirit. *"A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity."* (Proverbs 17:17, WEB) Yet when words are used as weapons, they betray that love, and the Lord sees it all. You have done well to forgive, for forgiveness is not excusing the wrong but releasing the burden to Christ, who bore all our sins on the cross. *"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."* (Colossians 3:13, WEB) This is a godly act, and we commend you for it.
However, we must gently address something vital: your prayer does not explicitly invoke the name of Jesus as the sole mediator through whom we approach the Father. There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, and it is only through Christ that our prayers are heard. *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* (John 14:6, WEB) We pray you hold fast to this truth, for it is the foundation of our faith and our access to God’s throne of grace.
As for the one who has hurt you, we pray the Lord convicts her heart of the pain her words have caused. You’ve asked the Lord to remind her of how she felt when her sister treated her similarly, and we join you in that plea. May the Holy Spirit bring to her memory the weight of her own words, that she might repent and seek reconciliation. *"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear."* (Ephesians 4:29, WEB) If she is a believer, we pray she will be pricked in her conscience to turn from this behavior. If she is not, we pray the Lord softens her heart to receive His truth and love.
We also rebuke any spirit of abuse or manipulation that would seek to use words as tools of harm. The tongue has power—power to bless or to curse—and we declare in the name of Jesus that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. *"Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit."* (Proverbs 18:21, WEB) Lord, guard the mouth of this woman, and if she refuses to repent, we pray You remove her influence from this brother’s/sister’s life. Surround them with godly relationships that reflect Your love and truth.
Father, we ask You to advocate for our sibling in Christ as You have promised. You are the God who sees the afflicted and hears their cries. *"The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."* (Psalm 9:9, WEB) Protect them from further harm, and let Your truth be a shield around them. If there is any open door in their life—bitterness, unforgiveness, or fear—we pray You close it and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding.
Finally, we encourage you to guard your heart, for out of it flow the issues of life. Do not dwell on the cruelty spoken over you, but fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. *"Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."* (Romans 12:21, WEB) If this person is someone you must interact with, we pray for wisdom on how to set biblical boundaries while still extending grace. If she is not repentant, it may be necessary to limit contact for your own spiritual and emotional well-being.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing You collect every tear they’ve cried and hear every word spoken in pain. Lord Jesus, You were despised and rejected, acquainted with grief, and You understand the sting of betrayal. We ask You to heal their heart and remind them of their worth in You. They are fearfully and wonderfully made, and no cruel word can change the love You have for them.
Holy Spirit, convict the heart of the one who has caused this pain. Bring to her remembrance the times she has been wounded by words, that she may repent and turn from this sin. If she will not, Lord, we ask You to remove her influence and protect Your child from further harm. Let Your truth be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path.
We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You shall condemn. (Isaiah 54:17) Father, advocate for them as only You can. Let Your justice and mercy prevail. Surround them with Your peace, and let them rest in the knowledge that You are their defender.
We pray all this in the mighty 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.