Are you struggling with a toxic family member? Do you have family who are constantly belittling, trying to control or manipulate you, or mistreating you? Sometimes, certain relationships in our family are no longer healthy, and we need to set boundaries or even end the relationship until further notice. This process can be difficult, stressful, and overwhelming. Friend, know that you can always find guidance and hope with the help of our God. Here are eight prayers to help you with your toxic family situation.
1. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. – Psalm 34:18 NLT
Lord, I feel brokenhearted right now. I want to have a good relationship with my family, but I know that outcome can only happen with healthy boundaries and limits at the moment. It breaks my heart to feel any level of separation from my family. Father, on earth, good relationships are never guaranteed, but in heaven they are. Please give me the strength to do the right thing even though it’s very difficult. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One. – Job 6:10 NLT
God, even when Job was going through every pain one could imagine, he never lost sight of You. Remind me during this time of pain and conflict with family members to never lose sight of You. Please guide me through this time with Your wisdom and love. I pray that You will increase the fruit of patience in me through this season. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. – Hebrews 12:3 NLT
Jesus, it amazes me daily how much You endured here on earth from sinners just like me, and it amazes me even more that You took the cross on my behalf. As I struggle through these difficult family times, please help me remember that You didn’t have perfect relationships either. Remind me of Your persevering love and give me the strength to do Your will regarding me and my family. In Your name, amen.
4. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
God, I know that You have given me the power and the strength to not be scared, but to be bold, loving, and self-controlling. I pray You help me love my family boldly, and also give me the wisdom and the self-discipline to be able to do what is godly and healthy for each person involved. Please help me to not be afraid as I set boundaries that best serve my family so that our relationships have the potential to be better in the long run. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
5. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. – James 1:5 NLT
Lord, I need wisdom in my family situation during this time. I need Your guidance, insight, and clarity regarding how to best love my family member who is causing all these issues. I release all bitterness to You and surrender to Your way of loving others. Please grant me the wisdom that comes from You. In Jesus’ name alone, amen.
6. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
Jesus, I am asking You to open the door of my family member’s heart to be able to have a healthy conversation. I pray You strengthen them and that we both may grow in the power of the Holy Spirit through this process. I know You are always with me and I trust that You will guide the words of my mouth as I submit them to You. In Your name, I pray, amen.
7. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8 NLT
Father, You tell me to love fully and deeply and to care for one another just as You do for me. Please help me to be able to know the best way to love my family like Jesus would. Give me the ability to discern what Jesus would do in my situation and give me the ability by the power of Your Holy Spirit to carry out the actions Jesus would take. I pray all these things, in His holy name. Amen.
