Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Emma
Falling in love is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. However, sometimes the person you fall in love with doesn’t turn out to be who you thought they were. Physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse can happen in any relationship.
Concrete actions need to take place to end this and praying for an abusive relationship is the best place to start.
Abusive relationships can make you feel inferior and unloved. Take refuge in these words from Scripture, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).
If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship please pray fervently and seek professional help when necessary!
I have given you 8 prayers for abusive relationships, but feel free to customize them to your specific situation. Please leave special intentions in the comments so we can pray with you!
A Short Prayer for an Abusive Relationship
Lord, I come to you broken. I’m in an abusive relationship and need your strength and guidance. Help me to know if I should stay or leave.
Please wrap me in your loving arms and give me the courage and protection I need each day. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for a Verbally Abusive Relationship
As the phrase goes, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Lord, whoever said this never had a verbally abusive partner. The words (name) spits at me each day is breaking me down. I am mentally drained and feel like I am nothing.
Help me to remember that I am a daughter of the King. I am beloved by You. I am worthy. I am chosen. (Name) makes me feel the opposite of all of these things. I feel useless, worthless, and stupid.
When I feel these this way help me to remember, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).
Give me the wisdom to know if I should stay in this relationship or leave. I don’t know how much longer I can sustain this painful existence. Sometimes it seems like everything is great and he is getting better.
The harsh words stop for weeks and I think he’s truly changed, but then it comes back worse than ever before.
Please change his heart of God. Help him to see You in me. Help (name) to stop his verbal abuse. Only You can change his heart. Please soften it and mold it to look more like Yours. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for an Emotionally Abusive Relationship
O, God, my Savior. Somehow I have ended up in an emotionally abusive relationship. (Name) is controlling, tries to frighten me, and is isolating me from everyone I love. I’m dismissed and feel gas lighted at everything I say.
I’m so embarrassed to be around people with (Name) because everything just ends so terribly
Help me to remember that I am a daughter of the King. I am beloved by You. I am worthy. I am chosen. (Name) makes me feel the opposite of all of these things. I feel useless, worthless, and stupid. When I feel these this way help me to remember, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b, NIV).
Give me the wisdom to know if I should stay in this relationship or leave. I don’t know how much longer I can sustain this painful existence. You, O, God are my light in the darkness.
Please change his heart. Help him to see You in me. Help me to love me the way I deserve to be loved. Help (name) to stop his emotional abuse. You are a miracle worker. Only You can change his heart. Please soften it and mold it to look more like Yours. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for a Physically Abusive Relationship
Dear God, I am embarrassed that I have ended up in a physically abusive relationship. I know that is part of the lies that (name) and the enemy want me to believe.
I am so scared for my life. It’s a horrible and painful existence. Give me the wisdom and strength to know if I should stay in this relationship or leave.
I have so much fear for what would happen if I were to leave. There are so many complicated layers and it is just overwhelming to think about it. You are my light in the darkness and you will lead me to the correct path. Help me to see the light.
Protect my body and heart. I know you are my shield. Help me to remember these words from Scripture, “Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11-12, NIV).
Finally, Lord, I beg you to change his heart of God. Help (name) to stop his physical abuse. You are a miracle worker. Please soften it and mold it to look more like Yours. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for a Friend in an Abusive Relationship
Lord, (name) has confided in me that is being (verbally/emotionally/physically) abused. My heart is broken for her. I am distraught that she has to endure this day after day. Please protect her.
I want her to get out of the relationship immediately, but of course it’s not that easy. I don’t know the ins and outs of the relationship and can’t begin to imagine the consequences and complications it would cause. Give her the wisdom to know if I should stay in this relationship or leave.
I just worry for her mental and physical health. I don’t know how much longer she can sustain this painful existence.
What I do know is that you are a God of healing and protection. Please change (name of abuser’s) heart. Help him to desire to live a Christian life. Help (name) to stop his abusive behavior. Only You can change his heart. Please soften it and mold it to look more like Yours. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for a Child with an Abusive Father
God, my dad hurts my mom. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that you are real since you allow my mom to be hurt so badly by my dad. I am learning that you are always there, but sin is present in the world.
Please help my dad to stop hurting my mom. It’s terrifying for me to watch/hear. He doesn’t hurt me, but I fear he might some day.
Please protect my mom from harm. She is the most important person to me and she deserves better than this. Give her the strength to leave him. I hope her and I can go far away from dad if he doesn’t change.
I want my family to be happy like other families. Please help my dad to be loving like other dads. I want our family to be together, but ultimately I just want my mom and I to be safe. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer for Abuse Survivors
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I am so grateful that You provided for me Lord. I’m so relieved to not be in an abusive relationship anymore. I was alone in the darkness. I felt like there was no way out, but “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).
You saw me in my darkest hour and saved from an abusive man. Thank you for your everlasting love and faithfulness. In Your Name, I pray. Amen
Prayer for Healing After Abuse
O, God. (Verbal/emotional/physical/sexual) abuse is a traumatic experience. I know you are a God of healing so please heal me from my founds. Heal my heart. Help me to be open and loving again. I am so guarded scared.
I don’t want to live this way. I want to live a normal life again. Please help me to live like that again. I bring my baggage to you. I offer you the words from Scripture, “ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).
I want to live a life of joy for you. I know I can get back to here with the help of counseling, family and friend support, and you. I will try to stay close to Your Sacred Heart through all of this. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Prayer for Healing from a Toxic Relationship
Heavenly Father, we come before You today, seeking healing and restoration from the wounds of a toxic relationship. You know the pain, the confusion, and the despair that have taken root in our hearts.
Lord, we ask for Your gentle touch to mend what’s been broken, to soothe the pain, and to guide us into a place of peace and recovery. Help us find the strength to rebuild ourselves, to rediscover our worth, and to move forward with hope and grace. May Your love envelop us, and Your wisdom guide us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Strength to Leave a Toxic Relationship
Gracious Lord, in Your wisdom and love, You see the struggles we face in this toxic relationship. We need Your strength and guidance to take the steps necessary to leave and protect ourselves. Fill us with courage to face the truth, wisdom to make the right decisions, and hope for a future filled with Your peace.
Surround us with supportive friends and family who will walk with us in this difficult journey. May we trust in Your unfailing love, knowing that You have a plan for our lives that is good. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Others Trapped in Toxic Relationships
Merciful Father, our hearts are heavy as we think of those we love who are ensnared in toxic relationships. You know their pain, their fears, and their struggles. We ask for Your intervention in their lives, dear Lord. Provide them with the guidance, strength, and support they need to recognize the harm they are experiencing and to take the necessary steps to find healing. Surround them with loving people who can be Your hands and feet in their lives. May they feel Your presence and love, knowing that they are not alone in this battle. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Concluding Thoughts
Abusive relationships are dangerous for mental and physical health. Even though it may not seem like it, the Lord is walking with you.
If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship and needs professional help, the domestic violence hotline is a great place to start! May the Lord be your strength and your shield as you navigate through the dangers and complications abusive relationships may bring. It can be tempting to try and reconcile the relationship but not only is that often impossible it’s often not the best idea either.
We are here to advocate and pray for you!