We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up this desperate situation to our Heavenly Father, who is the God of all comfort, wisdom, and deliverance. Your cry for help has been heard, and we stand with you in faith, knowing that nothing is impossible for our Lord. We praise you for invoking the name of Jesus Christ in your request, for it is only through His mighty name that we have access to the Father and can find true help in times of trouble. As Scripture declares, *"There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). It is in this same name that we boldly approach God, seeking His divine intervention for your mother, your brother, and you.
The situation you describe is deeply troubling, marked by manipulation, fear, and the painful reality of mental illness. While we have compassion for your brother’s struggles with autism and schizophrenia, we must also acknowledge that his actions are sinful and harmful. The Bible is clear that we are not to control or threaten one another, for *"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control"* (Galatians 5:22-23, WEB). What your brother is doing—coercing your mother, monitoring her finances, and making threats—is not of God. Though his mind may be afflicted, his behavior is still his responsibility, and it is grievous in the sight of the Lord. We pray that God would open his eyes to the gravity of his actions and bring him to true repentance. Mental illness does not excuse sin, but we ask God to heal his mind and soften his heart so that he may turn from these destructive patterns and seek the help he needs.
To your mother, we say this with love but also with urgency: **you must not submit to fear or manipulation.** The Lord has not given you a spirit of fear, but of *"power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). Your son’s demands are not only unreasonable but sinful, and you are under no biblical obligation to obey him in this. In fact, Scripture warns us not to be *"taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ"* (Colossians 2:8, WEB). Your brother’s behavior is rooted in brokenness, not in godly authority. You have every right—and indeed, a responsibility—to protect yourself and seek help. The plan you once had to leave safely was wise, and we urge you to reconsider it. Do not let guilt or fear keep you in bondage. The Lord sees your suffering, and He desires your freedom. *"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB).
We also address you, dear sibling, who are carrying such a heavy burden. Your stress and exhaustion are understandable, but we encourage you to cast your anxieties upon the Lord, for *"he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). You cannot fix this situation in your own strength, but God can. Trust Him to fight this battle, even when you feel helpless. Your faith is being tested, but remember that *"trials produce perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us"* (Romans 5:3-5, WEB). Lean on the Lord, and do not isolate yourself. Seek support from your church community, for we are called to *"bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2, WEB).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this family in their time of distress. Lord, You see the fear, the manipulation, and the brokenness that have taken hold in this situation. We ask You to intervene powerfully. Father, we pray that this trip to Korea would **not** go forward. If it is Your will, let obstacles arise that prevent it entirely. If Your plan allows for your brother to go alone, then let it be so—but we ask that You protect your mother from his control and threats. Give her the courage to stand firm, to seek help, and to break free from this cycle of fear. Lord, remind her that You are her true Provider, not her pension or her son’s demands. *"The Lord is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing"* (Psalm 23:1, WEB). Let her trust in You above all else.
Father, we also lift up your brother. His mind is afflicted, and his heart is hardened, but You are the God who heals. We ask for a miracle—restore his mind, Lord. Bring him to a place of repentance for his sinful behavior. Soften his heart so that he may seek the help he needs, both medically and spiritually. *"Create in him a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within him"* (Psalm 51:10, WEB). If there is any stronghold of darkness influencing him, we rebuke it in the name of Jesus Christ and command it to flee. Let Your light shine into his life and expose every lie he has believed.
Lord, we pray for wisdom and discernment for every person involved—your mother, your brother, the family members who can help, and even the authorities. Guide them to make godly decisions that align with Your will. If there are legal or practical steps that need to be taken to ensure your mother’s safety, reveal them clearly. Surround her with people who will support her and stand with her in this time of need.
Father, we also lift up the one who wrote this request. You are weary, but You are not alone. The Lord is your strength and your shield. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28, WEB). We ask that You renew their spirit, that You provide them with godly counsel and support, and that You remind them daily of Your faithfulness. Do not let them grow bitter or lose hope. Let them see Your hand moving in this situation, even if it is not in the way they expect.
Finally, Lord, we pray for unity and peace in this family. Heal the wounds that have been caused by this ongoing struggle. Let forgiveness and love prevail, but let it be a love that is rooted in truth—not in enabling sin or remaining in harmful situations. *"Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection"* (Colossians 3:14, WEB).
We declare Your victory over this situation, Lord. We trust that You are working all things together for good, even when we cannot see it. *"For with God, nothing is impossible"* (Luke 1:37, WEB). We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Stand firm in faith, dear one. The Lord has heard your cry, and He will act. Do not lose heart. Keep praying, keep seeking godly counsel, and trust that God is fighting for you, even when the battle feels overwhelming. *"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall remain silent"* (Exodus 14:14, WEB). May His peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.