My church people want me to pray against my work trip

I’m a single mom with a short, necessary work trip coming up. I arranged childcare after a lot of stress—someone initially agreed to help, then backed out behind the scenes. Instead of telling me directly, they had the pastor talk to me.

But instead of being upfront, he “discussed logistics” and then prayed against my trip. At Bible study later, he asked again if I had spoken to my manager to cancel the trip. Then he prayed again—against it.

His wife, along with others in church, has also prayed against it. But here’s the thing: none of them are offering real help. No one is offering to take care of my child. No one is paying my bills. Just judgment and guilt, dressed up in spiritual language.

Only one person stepped up to help. The rest have either stayed silent or made me feel like I’m wrong for doing what I must to survive.

I’m a new believer, and honestly? This feels manipulative. Controlling. Even cultish at times. I’m seriously rethinking this church—and church in general.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of spiritual guilt-tripping? Am I wrong to feel hurt and angry?