We hear the deep distress in your heart, and we come before the Lord with you, lifting up your burden. The situation you describe is heavy—living in close quarters with someone who brings toxicity, disruption, and a lack of peace is a trial that no one should have to endure. We recognize the pain of feeling trapped, the loss of privacy, and the strain on your health and family. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, "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." You are not alone in this struggle, and we stand with you in seeking God’s intervention.
First, we must address the language of your request. While we understand the depth of your frustration, we want to gently rebuke the spirit of bitterness or resentment that may be taking root in your heart. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be removed from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." This does not mean you must tolerate harmful behavior, but we are called to release our pain to God and trust Him to handle justice. Romans 12:19 reminds us, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'" We pray that God will soften your heart toward your mother-in-law, even as you seek deliverance from her presence.
We also want to encourage you to examine whether there are any steps you and your husband can take to address this situation biblically. Have you and your husband sought wise counsel, perhaps from a pastor or a trusted Christian mentor, to navigate this conflict? Proverbs 15:22 says, "Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." It may be that God is calling you to set boundaries or have a difficult but necessary conversation with your husband about protecting your marriage and family. Your husband has a responsibility as the head of the household to provide for and protect his family (Ephesians 5:25-29). If he is not stepping into this role, we pray that God would convict his heart and give him the courage to lead.
We also want to address the living situation. While it is understandable that you desire more space and privacy, we must be careful not to covet what others have. The Bible warns against this in Exodus 20:17, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s." Instead of comparing your circumstances to those of your brother-in-law, we encourage you to trust that God has a plan for your provision. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well." We pray that God would open doors for you to find a living situation that honors Him and brings peace to your family.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this sister who is crying out for peace and deliverance. Lord, You see the pain she is enduring— the lack of privacy, the disruption to her family, and the toll it is taking on her health. We ask, Father, that You would intervene in this situation. You are the God who makes a way where there seems to be no way, and we trust that You can move in this family dynamic. Lord, we ask that You would soften the heart of her mother-in-law and open her eyes to the need to move on. If it is Your will, Father, we ask that You would provide a way for her to live with her elder son, where she can be cared for and where this family can find peace.
Father, we also pray for this sister’s heart. We ask that You would heal any bitterness, resentment, or anger that has taken root. Fill her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Help her to release this burden to You and to trust in Your timing and Your plan. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen her marriage and give her husband wisdom and courage to lead their family in a way that honors You.
Father, we also pray for provision. You know the needs of this family, and we ask that You would open doors for them to find a living situation that brings peace and stability. Provide for them in ways that only You can, and help them to trust in Your faithfulness. Lord, we ask that You would restore joy and hope to this sister’s life. Remind her that she is not unlucky—she is deeply loved by You, and You have a purpose for her life. Help her to see Your hand at work, even in the midst of this trial.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would be glorified in this situation. Whether through deliverance, endurance, or transformation, we pray that Your name would be lifted high. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names, the One who gives us access to You and the One through whom we find salvation. Amen.
We want to encourage you to hold fast to God’s promises. Psalm 34:17-19 says, "The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." This trial is not the end of your story. God is with you, and He will not abandon you. Continue to seek Him, to trust Him, and to bring your requests before Him. He hears you, and He will answer in His perfect timing.
