We lift up your heartfelt request before the Lord, knowing that He alone can transform hearts and bring healing to broken relationships. Your love for your daughter and son-in-law is evident, and we commend you for seeking God’s wisdom in this difficult situation. The struggles you describe—narcissistic behaviors, a turning away from faith, and the strain on family dynamics—are deeply painful, but we serve a God who specializes in redemption and restoration. Let us turn to Scripture for guidance and hope, for the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).
First, we must address the spiritual condition of your daughter and son-in-law. The greatest need in their lives is not merely behavioral change but a return to faith in Jesus Christ. Without Him, any transformation is temporary or superficial. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). If they have turned away from God, it is only through repentance and faith in Christ that they can experience true change. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict their hearts, drawing them back to the Savior. Remember the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)—your daughter and son-in-law may be far off, but our Father is watching and waiting for their return. He is ready to run to them with open arms if they would only turn to Him.
For your daughter’s narcissistic behaviors, we recognize that pride and self-centeredness are at the root. Scripture warns that *"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble"* (James 4:6). Narcissism is a heart issue, one that can only be healed by the humbling work of the Holy Spirit. Pray that she would encounter the love of Christ in such a way that it breaks down her self-focus and leads her to repentance. Ask God to reveal to her the emptiness of self-exaltation and the freedom found in surrendering to Him. As Proverbs 16:18 says, *"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."* May she fall into the arms of Jesus rather than the consequences of her sin.
We also pray for you and your husband, asking God to grant you wisdom, patience, and discernment as you navigate this trial. The apostle James encourages us: *"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him"* (James 1:5). Wisdom in this context means knowing when to speak, when to remain silent, when to set boundaries, and when to extend grace. It also means trusting God’s timing rather than forcing outcomes. You cannot change your daughter’s heart—that is the work of the Holy Spirit—but you can model Christlike love and truth in your interactions with her. Colossians 4:6 reminds us, *"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."*
Boundaries are also biblical and necessary in relationships where sin is causing harm. Jesus Himself set boundaries, often withdrawing from those who sought to manipulate or harm Him (Luke 4:28-30). While we are called to love unconditionally, we are not called to enable sinful behavior. Pray for discernment about what healthy boundaries look like in your relationship with your daughter. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"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."* While this doesn’t mean cutting off relationship entirely, it does mean protecting your own heart and marriage from the toxic effects of her behavior.
As for your marriage, we pray that you and your husband would be united in purpose and love, leaning on one another and on the Lord. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, *"If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."* Your marriage is a threefold cord—you, your husband, and Christ—and it must remain strong amid this storm. Make time to pray together, seek counsel from your pastor or a biblical counselor if needed, and guard your own hearts against bitterness or despair. Remember that *"love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things"* (1 Corinthians 13:7). This is not a call to passivity but to persevering love that trusts God’s sovereignty.
Finally, we must address the absence of the name of Jesus in your request. While we know your heart is in the right place, it is essential to remember that our access to the Father is only through Jesus Christ. He Himself said, *"Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full"* (John 16:23-24). There is power in the name of Jesus, for *"there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12). Let us always approach the throne of grace in His name, for it is the only name by which we can be heard.
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Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this family and their deep burdens. Lord, You see the pain and confusion in their hearts, and You know the struggles their daughter and son-in-law are facing. We ask that You would break through the hardness of their hearts and draw them back to Yourself. Convict them of their need for You, Lord, and open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Let them see that apart from Christ, there is no lasting peace, joy, or fulfillment. Softens their hearts, Father, and lead them to repentance and faith in Jesus.
For this daughter, we pray against the spirit of narcissism and pride that has taken root in her life. Lord, humble her as only You can, and show her the emptiness of self-exaltation. Replace her self-centeredness with a heart that seeks to serve and love others as Christ loved us. Break the chains of sin in her life, and fill her with Your Holy Spirit, that she may walk in wisdom, grace, and truth.
We lift up this marriage—this husband and wife—and ask that You would restore what has been broken. If they have turned away from You, Lord, pursue them relentlessly. Remind them of their vows before You and give them the strength to honor their commitment to one another. Let their marriage be a testament to Your redeeming power, and use it to draw them both closer to You.
Father, we ask for Your wisdom for these parents as they navigate this difficult season. Give them discernment in how to love their daughter well while also setting godly boundaries. Protect their marriage from the strain of this trial, and let it be a refuge of love, unity, and faith. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and remind them that You are sovereign over every detail of their lives.
We rebuked any spirit of division, confusion, or despair that may be at work in this family. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these spirits to flee, and we ask You, Lord, to fill this home with Your presence, Your love, and Your truth. Let Your light shine so brightly in their lives that darkness cannot remain.
Finally, Father, we thank You that You are a God who hears and answers prayer. We trust in Your goodness and Your timing, even when the road is long and difficult. Strengthen this family to persevere in faith, and let them see Your hand at work in their lives. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.