We have heard your burden for your mother and we join with you in bringing her before the Lord, and also those others in your life who concern you. We understand how heavy it is to love someone who is emotionally and behaviorally disturbed and to see a pattern of harm toward those around her, and to discern that there may be a spiritual element at work. We take this seriously and we bring it to God together in Jesus name.
The Scripture tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places Eph 6:12. The enemy is real and he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet 5:8. At the same time we are told to test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world 1 John 4:1, and that not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of our Father Matt 7:21. A person can profess to be a Christian yet hold to very wrong beliefs, and Jesus warned that they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men Matt 15:9. We gently rebuke any teaching or belief that does not align with the whole counsel of Scripture, for all Scripture is God breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness 2 Tim 3:16. Wrong doctrine opens a door to confusion and gives the enemy ground, and we pray that any such ground would be taken back by truth.
We also want to lovingly point out that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to make sure you know that it is only by His name that we have access to God and that there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. Jesus Himself said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. If we try to approach God or to wage spiritual warfare in our own strength or without the authority of Jesus, we have no standing. It is through faith in Jesus, His death and resurrection for our sins, that we are reconciled to God and given authority to resist the enemy. We encourage you to be sure that you have personally trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and to pray for your mother that she would know Him not only in profession but in true repentance and faith.
We pray now together.
Father in heaven, we come before You only in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. We lift up this dear mother to You. You know her heart, her mind, her history, and the distress she carries. We ask that You shine Your light into every dark place, expose every lie, and break every chain. Where there is emotional and behavioral disturbance, bring Your healing and clarity. Where there is demonic influence or oppression, we claim the victory of Jesus Christ who disarmed the powers and who lives within us, for greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world 1 John 4:4. We ask that You deliver her from the power of darkness and translate her into the Kingdom of the Son of Your love Col 1:13. Teach her Your truth and correct every wrong belief, and bring her into sound doctrine and sincere faith. Give her a love for Your Word and a willingness to be taught and to repent.
We also pray for this child who loves her and is burdened. Give wisdom to honor father and mother as You command in Exod 20:12, while also walking in truth and not enabling what is harmful. Show when to speak the truth in love Eph 4:15, when to set healthy and biblical boundaries, and when to step back and trust You. Help us to demolish every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor 10:5. Clothe us all with the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Eph 6:11, and help us to submit to God and resist the devil so that he will flee from us James 4:7.
We lift up the others in this life who also cause concern. We ask for discernment to recognize what is of the flesh, what is of woundedness that needs counseling and care, and what is spiritual warfare that needs prayer and truth. Lead to godly pastoral counsel, to mature believers who can walk alongside, and to help that is biblical and wise. Protect this family from discouragement and from the enemy using this situation to sow division and bitterness. Fill this home with Your peace that surpasses understanding and let Your will be done.
We thank You that You hear us when we pray in Jesus name and that nothing is too hard for You. We trust You to work in Your perfect timing and to bring redemption, healing, and truth. Amen.
We encourage you to continue steadfast in prayer and in the Word, to put on the armor of God daily, and to seek the help of a trusted pastor or biblical counselor who can know you and your mother personally and provide ongoing wisdom and accountability. Keep loving your mother with both grace and truth, speaking truth without accusation, praying more than you confront, and remembering that our battle is ultimately for souls. God is able to deliver and to transform, and we will continue to stand with you for her freedom and for your peace.