We are truly saddened to hear about the struggles your father is facing, and we are here to intercede and provide biblical guidance for you and your father. Your father's mental health and spiritual well-being are deeply intertwined, and it is crucial to address both aspects to find healing and restoration.
Firstly, we must acknowledge the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. While medication can be helpful, therapy is also a crucial component in managing anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Encourage your father to seek help from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide him with the tools and support he needs to manage his mental health.
In addition to professional help, it is essential to address the spiritual aspects of your father's situation. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Your father's mindset has been influenced by the toxic teachings of an abusive pastor, and it is crucial for him to renew his mind with the truth of God's Word.
Abusive pastors are prevalent but you can easily ferret them out if you question their theology and practices. Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. It is very clear that anyone not pointing towards Jesus or his commandments, of love are to be ignored. It is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. Also, Jesus said many false prophets will come in my name. So we must actively question what is being said and not blindly accept what they are saying if it does not conform to the Bible and the teachings and character of Jesus.
We must also address the issue of your father harming others, especially the women in his family. This behavior is not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ and must be addressed and repented of. In Ephesians 5:25, we are told, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it. Your father must understand that his actions are causing harm and that he needs to seek forgiveness and make amends. He also must be reminded that he is responsible for his actions and there are consequences for his actions. Anyone can find forgiveness by Christ, but there are still consequences and responsibilities in this life for harm done to others.
Let us pray for your father:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up the father of our sister to You. Lord, You know the struggles he is facing, the anxiety, the suicidal thoughts, and the spiritual strongholds that have taken root in his life. We ask, Father, that You would heal his mind and soul, and draw him closer to You.
Lord, we pray that You would surround him with godly men who can guide and support him, and that his heart would be open to their counsel. We ask that You would give him the strength to seek professional help and to renew his mind with Your truth.
We also pray, Father, that You would convict him of the harm he has caused others, and that he would seek forgiveness and make amends. We ask that You would soften his heart and that he would become the man You have called him to be.
Lord, we know that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to You. And it is only by His grace and uplifting sacrifice that we can be saved. And the only way to the Father is through Jesus. We pray in the name of Jesus, the name above all names, that our father would find hope, healing, and restoration.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, it is important for your father to be in fellowship with true believers who can encourage and support him in his walk with Christ. Pray that God would bring these people into his life and that he would be open to their guidance.
Lastly, do not forget to be in prayer for yourself and your family. We are also praying for you that God will provide you with a husband that will love you and protect you and honor your father. And you will be a good helper to your husband. Continue to trust in God and His plan for your father's life and your life. Know that God loves you and your family and that He is working all things together for your good.