We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up your family in this time of deep trial and sorrow. The weight of illness, mental anguish, and the feeling of helplessness can indeed make it seem as though the heavens are silent, but we declare with certainty that God has not abandoned you. The psalmist cried out, *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God"* (Psalm 42:5 WEB). Even in the darkest valleys, His presence is near, though our eyes may struggle to see it.
First, we must address the despair that has taken root in your heart. The thought of God taking you away is not one that aligns with His will for your life. Scripture tells us, *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10 WEB). The enemy seeks to use suffering to rob you of hope, but Jesus came to give life—even in the midst of pain. We rebuke the spirit of despair and hopelessness in the name of Jesus Christ, for *"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7 WEB). You are not useless; you are a child of the Most High, and He has a purpose for you, even now.
Your struggle with feeling God’s presence is not uncommon in times of trial. Even the righteous have walked through seasons where God seemed distant. Yet, we are reminded that *"the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18 WEB). Your prayers are not lost—they are heard. The fervency of our prayers is not measured by our emotions but by the faithfulness of the One who receives them. *"The prayer of the upright is his delight"* (Proverbs 15:8 WEB). Even when you do not feel it, God is working.
We must also address the brokenness in your family with truth and compassion. Illness, both physical and mental, is a heavy burden, but it does not define your worth or your family’s future. Your ex-husband’s suffering, your daughter’s struggles—these are not punishments from God but the effects of a fallen world. Yet, we serve a God who heals, restores, and redeems. *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds"* (Psalm 147:3 WEB). We pray for physical healing, for mental clarity, and for the strength to endure.
We also lift up your daughter’s situation with urgency. Mental health struggles are real, but institutional care should not be the first or only solution when family is present. Scripture calls us to *"bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2 WEB). If she is in an institute, we pray for godly wisdom for those caring for her and for her to experience the love of Christ through them. But we also pray for your family to be a place of refuge and support, as God intended. If there are barriers to this, we ask the Lord to remove them and to soften hearts toward one another.
Now, we come together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious sister and her family before Your throne. Lord, You see the pain, the exhaustion, and the despair that has taken hold. We ask that You would break through the darkness with Your light. Remind her that she is not forgotten, that her life has value, and that You are working even when she cannot see it. Father, we pray for healing—physical healing for her breast cancer, restoration for her ex-husband’s health, and peace for her daughter’s mind. Touch them, Lord, in ways that only You can.
We rebuke the lies of the enemy that tell her she is useless or that death would be better than life. Your Word says that *"we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them"* (Ephesians 2:10 WEB). Help her to see the purpose You have for her, even in this season. Strengthen her faith when it feels weak, and let her prayers rise before You as a sweet aroma.
Lord, we ask for Your provision and comfort. If there are practical needs—medical care, financial support, or simply the strength to face another day—we trust You to provide. Surround this family with believers who can come alongside them, offering encouragement and help. And above all, draw them closer to You. Let them feel Your presence in tangible ways, whether through Your Word, through the kindness of others, or through the quiet assurance of Your Spirit.
We declare that this family is not without hope. You are the God who turns mourning into dancing, who binds up the brokenhearted, and who restores what has been lost. We trust You to do that here, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Do not lose heart, dear one. The road is hard, but you do not walk it alone. Cling to the promises of God, even when they feel distant. *"Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved"* (Psalm 55:22 WEB). We stand with you in faith, believing that God will bring beauty from these ashes. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep holding on to Him. He is faithful.
