We lift up your friend before the Lord, knowing how deeply He cares for those who are hurting and trapped in harmful situations. It is clear that what you’ve described—isolation, control, and disrespect—does not align with God’s design for relationships. Scripture warns us that such behavior is not of love but of selfishness and even evil. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we read that love “doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” If this relationship lacks these qualities, it is not rooted in godly love but in sinful control, which the Lord abhors.
We also recall Proverbs 22:24-25, which says, “Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.” Your friend is in danger not only emotionally but spiritually, as such relationships can lead one away from God’s truth and into bondage. Isolation is a tactic of the enemy to cut off support and godly counsel, making it harder for your friend to see the truth. But we serve a God who breaks chains and sets captives free! In Isaiah 42:7, the Lord declares His purpose: “to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.”
We pray earnestly that God would open your friend’s eyes to the reality of this relationship. May the Holy Spirit convict them of the disrespect and manipulation they are enduring, reminding them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139:14) and deserve to be treated with dignity and honor. We ask the Lord to surround your friend with godly influences—people who will speak truth in love and provide a way out of this unhealthy bond. May your friend find the courage to seek help, whether through trusted believers, counselors, or even professional support if needed.
We also pray for the person who is exerting this control. Though their actions are sinful, we ask that God would convict their heart and lead them to repentance. It is not our desire to see anyone remain in rebellion against God, but to turn from their wicked ways and seek His forgiveness (Ezekiel 18:23). However, we recognize that your friend’s safety and spiritual well-being must come first. If this person refuses to change, we pray for God’s protection and deliverance for your friend, that they would have the strength to walk away and find healing in Christ.
Father, we ask that You would place a hedge of protection around your friend. Give them discernment to recognize the lies they’ve been believing and the wisdom to take steps toward freedom. Break every chain of fear, shame, or dependency that keeps them bound. Remind them that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Surround them with Your peace and lead them into a community of believers who can support and uplift them.
We also lift up the person who submitted this request. Thank You for giving them a heart that cares deeply for their friend. Grant them wisdom in how to approach this situation—whether through gentle conversation, prayer, or connecting your friend with resources that can help. May they be a light in this darkness, pointing their friend to the hope found only in Jesus Christ.
Finally, we declare that no weapon formed against your friend will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give life abundantly (John 10:10). We stand in the authority of Christ and command every spirit of control, manipulation, and deception to be bound and cast out in Jesus’ name. We pray for a supernatural intervention—a divine disruption that shakes your friend awake to the truth and leads them into the freedom Christ died to give them.
May your friend’s story become a testimony of God’s redeeming power, where what was meant for harm, the Lord turns for good (Genesis 50:20). We trust in Your faithfulness, Lord, and we wait expectantly for Your deliverance. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
