We have heard your burden for your daughter and we join with you in bringing her before our Heavenly Father, seeking His will together in Jesus name.
Our hearts ache with you to hear that she has chosen a wrong path, joined with bad company, stopped going to school, and is running away from home while fighting and lying to you as her parents. We know this brings great pain and worry, and we want you to know we are standing with you in prayer and love.
Scripture warns us plainly about the power of companions. Do not be deceived. Evil companionships corrupt good morals. 1 Corinthians 15:33 and He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20. When a young person surrounds herself with those who do not fear God, her heart and choices are quickly led astray. Scripture also calls children to honor their parents. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise. Ephesians 6:1-2 and Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20. Fighting against you and lying to you is not only hurtful to your family, it is sin before God, for God desires truth and honor in the home. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 12:22. We must lovingly rebuke these behaviors and call them what they are, so that she may see her need for repentance and for change.
We also remember the promise to parents who train their children in the Lord. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. Even when a child wanders as the prodigal did in Luke 15:11-32, our Father is faithful to pursue, to convict, and to restore. God promises I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. Ezekiel 36:26. We cling to this hope for your daughter, that God can soften her heart, open her eyes, and draw her back to truth.
We encourage you as parents to continue in steady, prayerful love and godly discipline without provoking to anger. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4. Keep the door of home open with love, keep clear boundaries with calm firmness, keep praying without ceasing, and seek the support of your local church family and godly counsel so you are not bearing this alone. Pray for her school work as well, that she would see education as a stewardship from God and a path to honor Him with her life. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord. Colossians 3:23.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to gently share why His name is essential. It is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God, and there is no other name by which we can be saved. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and 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. If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. Romans 10:9. We pray that you and your daughter both know this saving grace, for only Jesus can truly change a heart and bring lasting freedom.
We pray together now.
Father in heaven, we lift up this precious daughter to You in the name of Jesus. You see where she is, You know the bad company she has joined, the lies she has spoken, the rebellion in her heart, and the pain she has caused her parents. Lord, have mercy on her. Convict her heart of sin, draw her by Your Holy Spirit to repentance, and cause her to turn from this wrong path. Break the influence of these bad companions and separate her from them, and surround her with godly voices who will speak truth in love. Soften her heart toward her parents, take away the spirit of fighting and lying, and give her a spirit of honor, obedience and truthfulness. Bring her home safely and keep her from harm as she runs away, and place Your hand of protection over her. Restore her desire to learn and to be diligent in her school work, that she would use the gifts You have given her for Your glory. Heal this family, comfort these parents, give them wisdom, patience, strength and peace that passes all understanding as they wait on You. Philippians 4:7. We ask that You would bring this daughter to salvation in Jesus Christ if she does not yet know Him, and to restoration and wholeness. We trust You to complete the good work You have begun. In the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
We encourage you to keep praying daily for her by name, to speak blessing and truth over her, to keep your home rooted in the Word and prayer, and to trust that God hears the prayers of His people. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9. We are continuing to pray with you that she will leave these bad people, turn from these bad things, change her heart before God, and return to the path of life and to faithfulness in her studies.