These prayers are for the times when you want to lift up your sister to God but do not know where to begin. They work well in the morning before the day gets loud, in the evening when you are thinking about her, or whenever she comes to mind unexpectedly. You can read the main prayer aloud exactly as written, or use it as a starting point and speak in your own words about her particular needs.
Prayers for My Sister
Father, I bring my sister to you today. You know her better than anyone, including me. You know the thoughts she carries at night, the worries she does not mention at dinner, and the hopes she has not yet dared to say out loud. I ask that you would give her peace that makes sense even when her circumstances do not. Steady her heart when decisions feel heavy, and remind her that she does not have to carry them alone.
Lord, watch over her body and her mind. Where she is tired, give her rest. Where she is anxious, quiet her fears with your presence. Surround her with people who love her well, and help her to trust them when she needs help. If there are relationships that are strained, soften what is hard between them, and give both of them the courage to speak honestly and forgive generously. Let her know she is seen and cherished by you.
Thank you for the gift of her life. Guard her going out and her coming in, and let her feel your nearness wherever she goes. Let her grow in faith, in kindness, and in joy that does not depend on how things turn out. We trust you with her future, because you have never failed to keep your promises. Amen.
A Shorter Version to Pray in a Moment
Lord, my sister is on my heart right now. Be near her in whatever she is facing today. Give her strength where she is weak, peace where she is worried, and the sense that she is loved. Help her to feel your presence and to rest in your care. Thank you that you hear us every time we call on you. Amen.
Scriptures to Pray Alongside
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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Pray this verse as a reminder that God is a refuge for your sister whenever she feels overwhelmed. Ask him to be the place she runs to first, not last, when trouble comes.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
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Use this passage to bring your sister’s worries into God’s presence one by one. Ask that the peace he gives would guard her heart and mind even when answers are slow.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
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Pray these words over her when she feels afraid or alone. Ask God to remind her that he is with her, that he strengthens her, and that he holds her steady.
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Pray that God would fill your sister with joy and peace as she trusts him more each day. Ask that hope would grow in her heart and overflow into her relationships.
Psalm 121:7-8
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.
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Use this promise to pray for her coming and going, her daily routines and her longer journeys. Ask the Lord to keep watch over her from now on and forever.
How to Pray This Prayer
Many people find it helps to pray for a sister at a fixed time each day, such as while the coffee is brewing or on the drive to work. Keep a small note on your phone or in a notebook with her current concerns, and update it as things change. You might also hold a cup, a pen, or a photo of her while you pray, so your hands stay busy and your attention stays focused on her.
It can be powerful to invite others to pray with you. A parent, a close friend, or a small group at church can join in, and you can let your sister know that she is being remembered. If she is open to it, ask her how she would like you to pray, and let her words shape your next prayer.
A Blessing to Close
May the Lord bless her and keep her. May he make his face shine upon her and be gracious to her. May she know the peace of God that surpasses understanding, and may she walk each day in the sure love of the one who calls her his own.
