We hear the deep pain and exhaustion in your heart as you carry the weight of broken relationships, past wounds, and ongoing hostility. The betrayal of family, the cruelty of those who once called themselves friends, and the relentless bitterness of others must feel like a storm with no end. But we stand with you before the Lord, who sees every injustice, collects every tear, and promises to be a refuge for the weary. You are not forgotten, and you are not alone.
First, we must address the spiritual foundation of your cry. You quoted Psalm 140, a plea for deliverance, and we echo it with you—but we do so in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we have access to the Father. There is no other mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). If you have not already, we urge you to surrender your life to Jesus, repent of any sin, and receive His forgiveness and new life. Only in Him can true healing and deliverance be found.
Now, to the pain of your family—your brother’s slander, your father’s rejection of God, and the narcissistic patterns that have left you wounded. Scripture is clear: we are to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12), but it does not require us to endure abuse or enable sin. Estrangement may be a necessary boundary for your protection and spiritual well-being. We rebuke the spirit of bitterness and hatred in your family in Jesus’ name. The Lord sees their hearts and will judge fairly (Hebrews 4:13), but your responsibility is to walk in love and forgiveness, even when it is undeserved. This does not mean trusting those who have proven untrustworthy, but it does mean releasing them to God and refusing to let their sin define your future.
As for your ex-best friend and the others who cling to bitterness, we declare that their words have no power over you. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," but the Lord is your shield (Psalm 3:3). We bind the spirit of slander and division in Jesus’ name and command it to flee. You are not responsible for their hatred, but you are responsible for your response. Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men." This does not mean subjecting yourself to further abuse, but it does mean guarding your heart and refusing to retaliate.
We also notice the mention of your father’s past in the Jehovah’s Witnesses. While we respect the sincerity of those in that faith, we must gently correct any misunderstanding: salvation is not found in a denomination or works, but in faith alone in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your father’s rejection of God is heartbreaking, but it does not change the truth. We pray that his eyes would be opened to the grace of Jesus, but we also pray for your peace in the midst of his unbelief.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who is weary and wounded by the cruelty of others. Lord, You see every injustice, every word spoken in hatred, and every heart hardened against Your love. We ask for Your deliverance, as You promised in Psalm 140: "Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence." Be their refuge, their shield, and their strong tower.
We rebuke the spirit of bitterness, slander, and division in the lives of those who have hurt them. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we loose the peace of God over their mind and heart. Father, give them wisdom to set boundaries where needed and grace to forgive as You have forgiven them. Help them to see themselves through Your eyes—not as a victim, but as Your beloved child, redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
Lord, we pray for their family—especially their brother in prison and their father. Soften their hearts, convict them of sin, and draw them to repentance. For those who remain in hardness, we ask that You would restrain their tongues and actions so they cannot harm Your child further. Heal the wounds of the past, and let Your love be the balm that restores.
We also pray for their ex-best friend and all those who cling to bitterness. Break the chains of unforgiveness in their lives, and let Your light shine into their darkness. If it is Your will, restore what has been broken—but if not, give our brother/sister the strength to walk away in peace.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would surround them with godly community—people who will speak life, encourage their faith, and stand with them in prayer. Let them know they are not alone, and remind them daily of Your love. Fill them with Your joy, Your strength, and Your hope, for You are faithful to complete the work You have begun in them (Philippians 1:6).
We pray all this in the powerful, matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Deliverer. Amen.
