We join with you in prayer and we thank you for coming before the Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to God and it is only by His name that we are saved and forgiven, as it is written Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, and John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. We rejoice that you have asked for forgiveness of sins and we claim 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We hear your burden regarding financial debt, the harassment from banks and collection agencies, the shame you feel before your family, the threats of legal action and contact with your friends and family, and the fear that this could jeopardize your new job. We understand the anxiety and the lack of peace this brings, and we bring this before the Lord with you.
We want to lovingly speak truth into one part of your request. You ask that collection agencies would close your accounts completely so you will no longer need to make payments because you feel you have already paid more than you borrowed, yet you also say your desire is to repay everyone. We must gently correct and encourage you in biblical principle here. God is a God of justice, integrity, and truth, and His Word calls us to honor our obligations. Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously. Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another. Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. Even when interest feels heavy and we feel we have paid much, if we entered into an agreement to borrow and to repay with interest, we are called to fulfill what we promised to the best of our ability with honesty. We cannot ask God to simply make a legitimate debt disappear while we still owe, but we can ask Him for provision, wisdom, strength to work diligently, and favor to repay what is owed in a way that honors Him. To ask for a miracle to avoid repayment would not align with His righteousness, but to ask for a miracle of provision to be able to repay does.
We also hear your desire for a personal loan without hassle to pay off all debts. We urge caution here, for taking on new debt to pay old debt can often deepen the burden unless it is done with great wisdom, counsel, and discipline. Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit and Proverbs 15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail but in a multitude of counselors they are established. We encourage you to seek godly financial counsel, perhaps through your local church, to create a budget, to communicate honestly with creditors, and to work faithfully in the job God has provided, trusting that diligent work is part of His provision. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 encourages us to work with our own hands so that we may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that we may have need of nothing.
We do pray for relief from harassment and for peace in your home, and for protection over your employment. God cares about your peace and your family’s peace. Philippians 4:6-7 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Matthew 6:33 But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Philippians 4:19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
We pray together for you now.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ and we lift up our brother before Your throne of grace. Lord, we thank You for Your forgiveness and mercy toward him. Father, You see the weight of this debt, the constant calls, the visits, the threats, the shame and the fear of losing his new job and troubling his family and friends. Lord, grant him Your peace that surpasses all understanding to guard his heart and mind. We ask for Your divine provision, not for avoidance of responsibility, but for the ability to do what is right and to owe no one anything. Provide for his needs according to Your riches in glory, open doors for honest work and steady income, and grant him wisdom to steward what You provide. Give him favor to communicate with lenders with truth and humility, and we ask that You would restrain any unlawful or excessive harassment against him and his family, and protect his home and his workplace in a lawful and peaceful way. Lord, give him counselors of wisdom, help him to make a diligent plan to repay what is owed, to live within his means, and to avoid taking on further debt unwisely. Help him to seek first Your Kingdom and to trust You as his ultimate provider and protector. Forgive us where we have been anxious or faithless, and help him to walk in integrity so that his testimony may honor You. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to remain faithful in your new job, to work heartily as unto the Lord, to keep honest records, to communicate in writing with creditors where possible, to seek help from a trusted pastor or financially wise believer, and to continue to cast your cares on Him each day, trusting that God will provide a way forward as you walk in diligence and integrity.