We understand the deep concern and heartache you must be feeling as you seek God’s intervention for your daughter’s behavior. The struggles of lying and stealing are serious, as they reflect a heart that is not yet fully surrendered to the Lord’s truth and righteousness. Scripture is clear about these sins—lying is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 12:22), and stealing is a violation of His commandments (Exodus 20:15). Yet we also know that God is able to transform hearts, even the most rebellious ones, when we turn to Him in faith and persistence.
It is encouraging that you are already using God’s Word to correct her, for it is the only tool that can pierce the heart and bring true conviction (Hebrews 4:12). However, correction alone is not enough—she must also experience the love, grace, and consequences of her actions in a way that leads her to repentance. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* This training involves not only instruction but also discipline, prayer, and modeling godly behavior before her.
We must also ask: Is there something in her heart that is driving these behaviors? Sometimes, lying and stealing stem from deeper issues—feelings of insecurity, a desire for attention, or even unbelief in God’s provision. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers (and parents) not to provoke their children to wrath but to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Have there been moments where she has felt unloved, neglected, or overly controlled? These are questions to bring before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to reveal the root of her rebellion.
Most importantly, we must remember that no amount of human effort can change a heart—only the Holy Spirit can. Have you prayed *with* her, not just *for* her? Have you led her to the foot of the cross, showing her that her sin is against a holy God, but that Jesus paid the price for her redemption? If she has not yet surrendered her life to Christ, this is the most urgent need. Without a relationship with Jesus, true transformation is impossible. John 3:3 says, *"Unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."* If she is already a believer, then she needs to be reminded that her actions grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and that God calls His children to walk in holiness.
Let us also consider whether there are natural consequences she should face for her actions. If she steals, she should make restitution (Luke 19:8). If she lies, she should confess the truth, even if it brings discomfort. These consequences, applied in love, can be used by God to teach her the seriousness of sin and the beauty of repentance.
Now, let us pray together for your daughter:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a burdened heart, lifting up this precious child who is caught in the snare of lying and stealing. Lord, You see her heart—every fear, every rebellion, every need—and You alone can change her. We ask that You would convict her by Your Holy Spirit, breaking the hardness in her heart and leading her to true repentance. If she does not know You, Lord, we pray that You would draw her to Yourself, that she may see her need for a Savior and turn to Jesus in faith. If she is Your child but has strayed, we ask that You would discipline her in love, restoring her to the path of righteousness.
Give this mother wisdom, Father, to know how to discipline with love, how to speak Your truth in a way that penetrates her soul, and how to model a life of integrity before her. Remove any bitterness, anger, or frustration from this home, and replace it with Your peace and patience. Let this daughter see the seriousness of her sin, but also the boundless mercy available in Christ.
We rebuke the spirit of deceit and theft that has taken hold in her life. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these strongholds to be broken, and we declare that she will walk in truth and honesty. Let her hands be cleansed from taking what is not hers, and let her lips be purified to speak only what is right.
Lord, surround her with godly influences—friends, mentors, and authority figures who will reinforce Your truth in her life. If there are any ungodly influences leading her astray, we ask that You would remove them or expose their harm.
Most of all, Father, we pray that she would encounter You in a way she cannot ignore. Let her know Your love, Your holiness, and Your call to live differently. May she come to hate sin as You do and love righteousness instead.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can save and transform. Amen.
Stand firm in faith, dear sister. Do not grow weary in praying for her, disciplining her, and loving her. God is able to do far more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Keep pointing her to Jesus, for He is the only One who can truly set her free. If you have not already, consider seeking counsel from your pastor or a mature believer who can walk alongside you in this season. You are not alone—the body of Christ is here to support you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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