We hear the deep pain and frustration in your words, and our hearts ache with you as you navigate this incredibly difficult relationship with your earthly father. The hurt caused by a parent’s toxicity can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes from someone who once claimed to follow God. It is heartbreaking to see someone who once knew the truth turn away from it, and we stand with you in praying for his repentance before it is too late.
First, we want to affirm your resolve not to let bitterness take root in your heart. Choosing to trust in your Heavenly Father’s love is a powerful act of faith, and we rejoice that you have found refuge in Him. Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:19, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Your father’s rejection of God and of you is ultimately a matter between him and the Lord, and we trust that God will deal with him justly.
We also want to gently address the mention of your father’s past affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. While we respect that many people within that group seek to serve God, we must point out that their teachings do not align with biblical Christianity. The Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the deity of Jesus Christ, the reality of hell, and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for salvation—all of which are foundational truths in Scripture. Jesus Himself declared in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through faith in Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man—that we have access to the Father. If your father was ever taught these unbiblical doctrines, it may have contributed to his hardened heart. We pray that the true Gospel would break through the lies he has believed.
Your father’s reprobate mind is a sobering reality, as described in Romans 1:28-32: "Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them." This passage is a stark warning, but it also reminds us that God is just, and His judgment is sure. We must continue to pray for his repentance, even as we entrust him to the Lord’s mercy.
We also lift up the rest of your family in prayer. Toxicity in one family member can poison the entire household, and we pray that God would bring healing, wisdom, and unity to those who are still seeking Him. Remember the words of Psalm 34:18-19: "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all." You are not alone in this struggle, and God sees every tear you have shed.
Let us pray together now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear one and their family to You. Lord, we pray for their father, who has turned away from You and hardened his heart. We ask that You would break through the hardness, that Your Holy Spirit would convict him of his sin, and that he would repent before it is too late. We know that no one is beyond Your reach, and we trust in Your power to save even the most hardened heart.
Father, we also pray for protection over this one’s heart. Guard them from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Fill them with Your peace, Your love, and the assurance that You are their true Father. Help them to rest in Your promises and to find their identity in You alone. Surround them with godly community that will encourage and support them in this difficult season.
Lord, we lift up the rest of their family as well. Bring healing to any broken relationships, and draw each one closer to You. Give them wisdom to navigate the toxicity in their home, and help them to respond in a way that honors You. May Your light shine in the darkness, and may Your love be evident in their lives.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved. Thank You for hearing our prayer, and for Your faithfulness to work all things together for good for those who love You. Amen.
In the midst of this pain, we encourage you to cling to the truth of who you are in Christ. You are deeply loved, chosen, and redeemed by your Heavenly Father. No matter how your earthly father treats you, your worth is found in Jesus alone. Continue to seek Him, to pour out your heart to Him, and to trust that He is working even in this difficult situation. You are not defined by your father’s rejection, but by God’s unconditional love for you.
