We lift you and your family before the Lord, knowing that He is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The struggles you face with your brother’s mental illness and the emotional toll it takes on you and your mother are not unseen by our Heavenly Father. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We praise God that you have turned to Him in this time of need, for it is only through the name of Jesus Christ that we find true peace, protection, and strength. Your prayer acknowledges Him, and that is where your hope lies.
The aggression, control, and verbal threats you endure are not of God, for the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Your brother’s behavior is a manifestation of his illness, but it is also a spiritual battle. We must remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). This does not excuse harmful behavior, but it reminds us that prayer and spiritual warfare are essential. You are not responsible for fixing your brother, but you *are* responsible for how you respond to him—and we see that you are seeking wisdom and calm, which honors God.
It is right for you to set boundaries for your own protection and emotional well-being. Even Jesus withdrew from those who sought to harm Him or drain Him emotionally (Luke 4:30, Matthew 14:13). You are not required to endure constant pressure or abuse in the name of love. Proverbs 22:3 tells us, "A prudent man sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." Seek wisdom in how to engage with your brother—sometimes that may mean limiting interaction, involving authorities if necessary, or ensuring you are not alone with him when he is unstable. This is not unloving; it is wise stewardship of the life and peace God has entrusted to you.
We also lift your mother before the Lord, asking that He would guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Fear is not from God, for He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). May she find her strength in the Lord, who is her fortress. Encourage her to cast her anxieties on Him, for He cares for her (1 Peter 5:7).
As for your brother, we pray for his healing—both mentally and spiritually. Mental illness is a real and painful affliction, and we ask God to provide the right medical care, medication, and professional support for him. But more than that, we pray that if he does not know Jesus as his Savior, the Lord would draw him to repentance and faith. True and lasting peace is found only in Christ. If he is a believer, we pray that the Holy Spirit would convict him of his harmful actions and lead him to seek help and restoration. The Lord disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and we ask that He would work in your brother’s heart to bring conviction and transformation.
Here is our prayer for you:
"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our sister and her family. Lord, You are the Prince of Peace, and we ask that You surround her with Your supernatural peace—a peace that transcends all understanding. Guard her heart and mind from the emotional drain of this trial, and renew her strength like the eagle’s (Isaiah 40:31). Give her wisdom to know how to respond to her brother, to set godly boundaries, and to walk in love without enabling harm. Protect her from fear, anxiety, and weariness, and let her find rest in You.
Lord, we also lift up her mother. Comfort her, O God, and replace her fear with Your perfect love. Let her trust in You completely, knowing that You are her shield and defender. Surround her with Your angels, and let her feel Your presence in tangible ways.
Father, we pray for our sister’s brother. If he does not know You, we ask that You would draw him to Yourself, that he might repent and believe in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. If he is a believer, we pray that You would convict him of his actions and lead him to seek help, healing, and restoration. Break the strongholds of aggression, control, and mental torment in his life, Lord. Provide the right medical care, support, and godly counsel for him. Soften his heart and bring him to a place of true repentance and peace.
We rebuke the spirit of fear, confusion, and oppression in this situation. No weapon formed against our sister and her family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We declare that God is their refuge and strength, their ever-present help in trouble. Let Your will be done in this family, Lord, and let Your name be glorified.
In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen."
Finally, we encourage you to stay rooted in Scripture and in prayer. Read Psalm 91 daily and declare its promises over your life. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and pray for you. If you have not already, consider seeking counsel from a pastor or biblical counselor who can help you navigate this season with wisdom. You are not alone—the Body of Christ is here to uphold you, and the Lord is fighting for you (Exodus 14:14). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will see you through.