When a friend or family member is involved in a dangerous or abusive marriage, it’s scary for everyone. The victim is always walking on eggshells because they don’t know what their abuser will say or do next. It is nerve-wracking for friends and family because they never know what to expect or what may happen to their loved ones. The hardest thing about it all is knowing what to do to help.
It’s easy for those on the outside to encourage the victim to get out. However, for those on the inside, it can be extremely difficult. Things like fear, lack of money, and various other factors can keep a victim in the cycle of abuse. The best thing we can do for our loved ones in these situations is to pray for them. Here are some different ways you and your loved ones can pray about the situation.
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1. A Prayer for Peace
Victim: Dear Lord, please give me your peace that passes all understanding of this situation. Although I live in fear, I know you are with me always. I ask that you also give my children and pets peace so they know you are always with us. Amen.
Friend/Family Member: Dear Lord, please give (name) your peace today. Remind them you are always with them and watching over them. Please fill their heart with peace as they go about their day today. Amen.
2. A Prayer for Comfort
Victim: Dear Lord, please give me your comfort today. Help me remember you are always here to comfort me, even on the hard days. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Friend/Family Member: Lord, please cover (name) with your comfort today. Let them know you are working in this situation and that better things are coming. Comfort them by letting them know you are with them in everything. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Wisdom
Victim: Dear Lord, I pray for your wisdom in this situation. Some days, it’s very hard for me to know what to do or what next step I should take. I ask that you will give me the discernment to hear your voice clearly and to help me see things through your eyes. Amen.
Friend/Family Member: Lord, I pray for (name) today and ask that you give them your wisdom. I can’t imagine how scary being in their situation is, and I’m sure it’s very hard to decide what to do next or not do anything at all. Help them hear your voice loudly and clearly so they can take the right next steps to lead them into the abundant life you have called them to.
4. A Prayer for Protection
Victim: Dear Lord, I pray for your protection right now. I ask that you release your angels to surround me and my children wherever we go. Please protect my pets while we are away. Please keep everyone involved in this situation safe. Amen.
Friend/Family Member: Lord, I pray for (names) and ask that you hedge a wall of protection around them. Keep them safe from all harm and release your angels to be near. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Children
Victim: Dear Lord, please be with my children today. I know they don’t understand why my spouse acts the way they do, and it’s painful for them. I ask that you be with them wherever they are today, from school to after-school activities and even as they walk through this house. I ask that you give them your peace, comfort, and wisdom and let them know you are always with us. In your name, I pray. Amen.
Friend/Family Member: Lord, I pray for (my friend/family members’ children, my grandchildren, etc) today. Please help them not to be afraid despite the situation they are living in. I ask that you impart your peace and wisdom in their hearts and bring them comfort so they know you are with them in all things. Help me, Lord, to be a calming presence around them when I see them. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Pets
Victim: Lord, I pray for my pets. These precious creatures you have blessed me with are valuable to me. They are as innocent as my children. Please place a shield around them to protect them while we are not home. Help them find safety if they need it and let nothing happen to them. Amen.
Friends/Family: I pray for the pets in this situation, who are as vulnerable and innocent like children. Lord, I ask that you will protect them from all harm and help them find safety if or when they need it. Please let nothing happen to these sweet, precious souls. In your name, I pray. Amen.
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7. A Prayer for Me
Victim: Dear Lord, I pray you will help me in this situation. Some days, I get so upset that I don’t know where to turn, but I know I can always turn to you. Please give me a clear head and a heart to hear from you clearly. Help me stay calm and collected in the presence of my children and my abuser. I know that if I get upset, they will get upset, and that is the last thing I want. Please keep your hand on me and protect me. Amen.
8. A Prayer for Help
Victim: Dear Lord, please help me get out of this situation. I know that this is not the life you have chosen for me and that you want better for me. I ask that you open doors for me to leave and move on to a more fulfilling life. Please help me see the signs you are showing me so that I don’t miss the work you are doing in my life. I ask that you put resources and people in my path that can help me. Please help me not to worry about this and to leave it at your feet, showing you I trust you and your timing. Amen.
Friend/Family Member: Lord, I pray for (name) and ask that you help them get out of this situation. I know this is not the life you want for them, for you have called them to live a satisfying life. Please give them discernment and clarity as to your next steps for them; I’m trusting that you are working in their life even as I pray this. Thank you, Lord, in advance for the blessing of favor that is coming to their lives and for leading them into the life of abundance you have called them to. Amen.
Resources:
12 Traits of an Abusive Relationship
4 Effects of Emotional Abuse and 5 Ways to Heal
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
9. A Prayer for Friends and Family
Victim: Dear Lord, I pray for my friends and family. I know they love me very much and are worried about me in this situation. I ask that you will put your protection around them as they interact with me and that you will give them wisdom and direction while doing so. Amen.
10. A Prayer for My Abuser
Victim: Dear Lord, this is very hard for me to do, but I know we are to pray for our enemies. I pray for (abuser’s name) and that you will open their eyes, heart, and mind to you in a way that is unique to them. Do it in a way that they know that it’s you. I know you know the best way to get a hold of their heart and not let go. Please lead them to repentance, belief, and salvation. In your name, I pray.
Friend/Family Member: Lord, I pray for (insert abuser’s name) even though it’s very difficult. I pray you will draw them to you and open their heart and mind to your love and salvation. Amen.
Originally published Tuesday, 26 March 2024.
