We lift up your sister to the Lord as she prepares for surgery tomorrow, asking for His healing hand to be upon her and for the skill and wisdom of the medical team to be guided by Him. May the Great Physician bring restoration to her body, granting her peace and strength throughout this process. We pray that this surgery would be successful, with minimal pain and a swift recovery, all for God’s glory. *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds."* (Psalm 147:3)
We also bring before the Lord the deep wounds in your relationship with your sister. The coldness, manipulation, and emotional abuse you’ve described are not of God, and we grieve with you over the pain this has caused you and your family. The Bible calls us to love one another, but it also warns us against enabling harmful behavior or remaining in relationships where there is no repentance or change. *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* (Romans 12:18) Yet, we must also recognize that peace is not always possible when the other person refuses to walk in love and truth. Jesus Himself said, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them."* (Matthew 7:15-16) If your sister’s actions bear the fruit of bitterness, manipulation, and abuse, it is wise to set boundaries to protect your heart and your family from further harm.
We encourage you to seek the Lord’s wisdom in how to navigate this relationship. It is not wrong to love from a distance or to limit your exposure to her toxicity, especially when she only shows kindness when she needs something. You are not obligated to endure abuse in the name of "family." *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14) While this verse speaks directly to marriage, the principle applies to all relationships—we cannot force fellowship where there is no shared commitment to Christ’s love and truth. If your sister is not walking in repentance or love, you are not required to subject yourself to her mistreatment.
At the same time, we pray for your heart—to release any bitterness or resentment and to trust God to be your vindicator. *"Don’t say, 'I will pay back evil.' Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you."* (Proverbs 20:22) He sees the pain she has caused, and He will deal with her justly. Your role is to forgive (not excuse her behavior) and to trust God with the outcome. Forgiveness does not mean you must allow her to continue hurting you. It means you release her to God’s judgment and mercy, while protecting your own heart.
We also want to address the weariness you feel. Caring for others, especially when it is not reciprocated, can leave you emotionally and spiritually drained. But Jesus invites you to come to Him for rest: *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."* (Matthew 11:28-30) Lean on Him, not on your own strength, and allow Him to renew you.
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* (John 14:6) There is no other name by which we are saved, and it is in His name alone that we can boldly approach the throne of grace. If you have not already, we urge you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, for He is the only one who can heal your heart and bring true peace to your life.
**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this sister and her family. Lord, we ask for Your healing touch to be upon her sister’s body as she undergoes surgery tomorrow. Guide the hands of the surgeons and medical staff, granting them wisdom and precision. May this procedure bring restoration and relief, and may Your peace flood her heart, drawing her closer to You.
Lord, we also bring the broken relationship between these sisters before You. Father, You see the pain, the manipulation, and the emotional abuse that has been inflicted. We ask for Your justice and Your mercy. Give our sister the strength to set godly boundaries and the wisdom to know how to love without enabling harm. Softening her sister’s heart, Lord—break through the hardness and bring her to repentance. If she is unsaved, convict her of her need for You, and draw her into Your saving grace.
Father, we pray for protection over our sister’s heart and mind. Heal the wounds caused by years of mistreatment, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind her that her worth is found in You alone, not in the approval or affection of others. Grant her the courage to forgive, not for her sister’s sake, but for her own freedom.
We rebuke the spirit of bitterness, resentment, and manipulation that has taken root in this family. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we command these strongholds to be broken in Jesus’ name. Let Your love and truth prevail, Lord.
Finally, we pray that You would be her strength and her portion. When she is weary, lift her up. When she is discouraged, remind her of Your faithfulness. And when she feels alone, assure her that You are with her always.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.