We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up this request to our Heavenly Father. First, we acknowledge that it is only through the precious name of Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father, and it is by His name alone that we are saved. "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!" (Acts 4:12). We are grateful that this prayer was offered in Jesus' name, for it is through Him that our prayers are heard.
Father God, we lift up the burden of memories that weigh heavily on the heart of our brother or sister in Christ. We ask that You would indeed remove the pain, the longing, and the distraction of this person from their memory. Your Word tells us, "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more" (Hebrews 8:12). Lord, just as You choose not to remember our sins, we ask that You would help them to forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:13-14). Fill their mind with whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8). Replace these memories with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
We also lift up the people in the region mentioned, particularly the children, teens, and babies. Lord, You have a special heart for the little ones, saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). We pray for their protection, provision, and salvation. Father, draw them to Yourself, open their hearts to the gospel, and surround them with godly influences who will lead them to Christ. We ask that You would save all who are in need of salvation, both in this region and in the lives of those connected to it. "The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). We trust in Your perfect timing and Your desire for all to be saved.
Heavenly Father, we also come against the Ebola virus in the mighty name of Jesus. We know that sickness and disease entered the world through sin, but Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). We rebuke this virus in the name of Jesus and command it to be permanently wiped out from the face of the earth. Your Word declares, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions" (Psalm 107:20). We ask for Your healing touch to be upon every person affected by this disease. Lord, we pray for wisdom and strength for the healthcare workers, scientists, and leaders as they combat this outbreak. Provide them with the resources, knowledge, and protection they need to serve effectively.
We also want to gently address the nature of relationships and memories, especially if this person from the past was someone with whom our brother or sister shared an ungodly relationship. If there was any sexual immorality, fornication, or emotional entanglement that did not honor You, we repent on their behalf. Your Word is clear: "Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18). We ask for Your forgiveness and healing where sin has taken root. Help them to walk in purity and holiness, setting their minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
Lord, we also pray for the restoration of any broken relationships in a way that honors You. If this person is meant to be a part of their future, we ask that You would bring them together in Your perfect timing and in a way that glorifies You. However, if this person is not part of Your plan, we ask that You would remove all longing and replace it with contentment in You. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). Help them to trust in Your goodness and sovereignty over their life.
We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, they will condemn (Isaiah 54:17). We stand on the promise that You will never leave them nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5). Strengthen their faith, Lord, and help them to cast all their anxieties on You, because You care for them (1 Peter 5:7).
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray all these things, believing that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). We trust in Your perfect will and timing, and we give You all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen.
