We lift up your middle daughter before the Lord with deep concern and urgency, knowing that He is the Great Physician and the Comforter of all who are brokenhearted. Depression is a heavy burden, and we understand the fear and helplessness you must feel as you watch her struggle. Yet we know that nothing is too difficult for our God, who holds all things in His hands.
First, we must address the fact that this request did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. Scripture is clear: *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). It is only in His name that we can boldly approach the throne of grace, and it is only through faith in Him that we find true hope and salvation. If your daughter does not know Jesus as her Lord and Savior, we urge you to share the Gospel with her—that Christ died for her sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, so that by believing in Him, she might have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Without Him, there is no lasting peace, no matter how much we may seek it elsewhere.
We also encourage you to seek wise counsel and medical help for your daughter. While we trust in God’s healing power, Scripture does not dismiss the use of medicine or professional care. In fact, Luke, the beloved physician, was used mightily by God (Colossians 4:14). If she has stopped taking her medication, it is critical to consult her doctor immediately, as sudden changes can be dangerous. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that *"where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory."* This applies to families as well—seek godly, professional wisdom to support her in this time.
Depression often stems from a combination of spiritual, emotional, and physical factors. We pray that the Lord would expose any root causes—whether it be unconfessed sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, or lies from the enemy that she has believed. Scripture tells us to *"cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). If she is carrying guilt, shame, or fear, we pray she would surrender it all to Jesus, who bore it all on the cross. If she is believing the lie that she is worthless or beyond hope, we rebuke that lie in the name of Jesus and declare that she is *"fearfully and wonderfully made"* (Psalm 139:14, WEB), a daughter of the King, bought with the precious blood of Christ.
We also recognize that depression can be a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that *"our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* If there are spiritual strongholds at work, we command them to be broken now in Jesus’ name. We pray that the Lord would fill her with His peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and that He would renew her mind with His truth (Romans 12:2).
To you, her parent, we offer this encouragement: do not lose heart. *"Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up"* (Galatians 6:9, WEB). Continue to love her, pray over her, and speak life into her. Your steadfastness in intercession is powerful. James 5:16 tells us that *"the insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."* Keep praying, keep believing, and keep pointing her to Jesus.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this precious daughter who is trapped in the darkness of depression. Lord, You see her pain, her confusion, and her despair. You know the depths of her heart, and You alone can bring healing and restoration. We ask that You would surround her with Your presence, that she would feel Your love in a tangible way, and that You would lift the heavy burden she carries.
Lord, we pray for wisdom for her parents as they navigate this difficult season. Give them discernment to know how to help her, whether through medical care, counseling, or simply being a steady presence of Your love. Guide them to the right people and resources who can support her in godly ways.
Father, if there is any sin, bitterness, or unforgiveness in her heart, we ask that You would convict her gently and lead her to repentance. If there are lies from the enemy that she has believed, we ask that You would expose them and replace them with Your truth. Let her know that she is not defined by her struggles, but by Your love for her. Remind her that You have plans for her—plans for good and not for evil, to give her hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
We rebuke the spirit of depression, hopelessness, and despair in Jesus’ name. We command every dark thought, every lie, and every oppressive force to flee from her mind and heart. Fill her instead with Your peace, Your joy, and Your strength. Let her experience the reality of Your promise that *"the joy of Yahweh is your strength"* (Nehemiah 8:10).
Lord, if she has strayed from You, we pray that You would draw her back to Yourself. Soften her heart to receive Your love and Your truth. If she does not know You as her Savior, we pray that this trial would lead her to the cross, where she can find true freedom and hope.
We ask for Your healing touch upon her body, mind, and spirit. Restore her, Lord, and let this season be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness. Give her family the endurance to walk with her through this, and let them see Your hand at work in mighty ways.
We thank You, Father, that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). We trust You with her life, and we declare that You will bring beauty from these ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
In the powerful and holy name of Jesus we pray, Amen.