We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this sister who is burdened by the weight of her sister’s struggles and her own deep sadness. The Word of God reminds us in Galatians 6:2, *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."* Yet we also know that wisdom and discernment are needed in how we help, for Proverbs 19:2 warns, *"It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way."*
First, we must address the spiritual foundation of this request. We notice that the name of Jesus was not invoked in this plea, and we gently but firmly remind you that it is only through Christ that we have access to the Father. As Scripture declares in John 14:6, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"*. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so now, for there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Salvation comes through repentance and belief in Him—confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Without this foundation, our prayers lack the power and authority that come through Christ alone.
Now, regarding the situation with your sister, we must approach this with both compassion and biblical wisdom. It is right to have a heart of mercy, for *"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy"* (Matthew 5:7). However, we must also be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). If your sister is genuinely in need of medication, it may be appropriate to assist her in a way that does not enable dependency or irresponsibility. Proverbs 22:3 tells us, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* If her requests for money are part of a pattern of poor stewardship or even manipulation, then giving without accountability may not truly help her—and could even harm both of you.
We encourage you to seek godly counsel from your church or a trusted believer who can help you navigate this situation with wisdom. If your sister is struggling with mental health or addiction, professional Christian counseling or intervention may be necessary. The body of Christ is meant to support one another, and you do not have to carry this burden alone.
As for your depression, we grieve with you, for the Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). But we also remind you that joy and strength are found in the Lord, not in circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 says, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Depression can feel overwhelming, but in Christ, there is hope and healing. Seek Him first, and allow His Word to renew your mind (Romans 12:2).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this sister who is weary and burdened. Lord, You see the struggles she faces—both the external pressures from her sister and the internal battle of depression. We ask for Your wisdom to fill her, that she may know how to respond to her sister’s needs in a way that honors You and does not enable harm. Give her discernment to recognize if there are deeper issues at play, such as addiction or irresponsibility, and guide her to seek godly counsel if needed.
Father, we also lift up her sister, who is in need of medication and perhaps much more. Lord, if she is struggling with health or spiritual battles, we pray for Your intervention. Bring people into her life who can help her in a way that leads to true healing and responsibility. If there is sin or stronghold in her life, we rebuke it in Jesus’ name and ask that You break its power over her.
For our sister who is depressed, we ask for Your comfort and peace to flood her heart. Remind her that You are her strength and her song (Exodus 15:2). Lift the heaviness from her spirit and fill her with Your joy, which is her strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Help her to fix her eyes on You, the author and finisher of her faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Lord, we also pray that if this sister does not yet know You as her Savior, that today would be the day of salvation for her. Open her eyes to see her need for Christ, and draw her to Yourself. Let her find her hope and identity in You alone.
We bind every spirit of depression, anxiety, and confusion in Jesus’ name. We declare that You, Lord, are her refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Restore her soul, O God, and lead her in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
Finally, Father, we ask for unity and support within the body of Christ for this sister. Surround her with believers who can encourage her, pray with her, and walk alongside her in this trial.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your faithfulness and Your perfect will for this situation. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.