We join with you in earnest prayer over this request, for it is a battle that every believer faces—the tug of the world’s allurements against the call to holiness in Christ. The love of the world and worldliness are grave dangers to our walk with God, for Scripture warns us plainly: *"Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s"* (1 John 2:15-16, WEB). This is not a light matter, but one that demands repentance, surrender, and a deliberate turning toward Christ.
You have rightly identified the need for a change of heart and mind, and we commend you for seeking God’s transformation in this area. The world’s values—its greed, its lusts, its pride, its endless pursuit of pleasure and self—are in direct opposition to the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself prayed for His disciples, saying, *"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth"* (John 17:16-17, WEB). To be set apart (sanctified) means to reject the world’s ways and embrace God’s will, even when it is costly.
Yet we must also ask: where does this love of the world manifest in your life? Is it in the entertainment you consume, the relationships you pursue, the ambitions you harbor, or the priorities you set? Worldliness often creeps in subtly—through the desire for approval, the fear of missing out, the comfort of materialism, or the compromise of convictions. We urge you to examine your heart before the Lord, asking Him to reveal the specific areas where worldliness has taken root. *"Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way"* (Psalm 139:23-24, WEB).
Repentance is the first step. Turn away from these things with godly sorrow, and turn toward Christ with a hungry heart. *"Therefore, put to death whatever is earthly in you: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness (which is idolatry). Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the children of disobedience"* (Colossians 3:5-6, WEB). This is not a one-time act but a daily surrender. You must fill the void left by worldliness with the Word of God, with prayer, with fellowship, and with service to His kingdom. *"Don’t 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"* (Romans 12:2, WEB).
Let us also remind you that this battle is spiritual. The world is under the sway of the evil one (1 John 5:19), and its allurements are tools of the enemy to distract you from your purpose in Christ. *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12, WEB). You cannot fight this in your own strength. You must put on the whole armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—and stand firm in prayer.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this beloved brother/sister who seeks a change of heart and mind. Lord, You know the struggles they face—the pull of the world, the temptations that ensnare, the desires that war against the Spirit. We ask for a mighty work of Your Holy Spirit in their life. Break the power of worldliness over them. Uproot every love for the things of this world that has taken precedence over love for You.
Father, forgive them for the times they have compromised, for the moments they have cherished the world more than You. Cleanse them by the blood of Jesus and renew their mind by Your Word. Give them a holy dissatisfaction with the things of this world and a burning desire for You alone. Let them taste and see that You are good, that Your ways are better, and Your promises are sure.
Strengthen them to resist the devil, knowing that he will flee when they submit to You (James 4:7). Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may walk in obedience and bear fruit that honors You. Surround them with godly influences—brothers and sisters who will spur them on toward love and good deeds, not toward worldliness.
Lord, we ask that You would open their eyes to the eternal weight of glory that far outweighs the temporary pleasures of this world (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Let them set their minds on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). May their heart’s cry be, *"Whom have I in heaven but You? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides You"* (Psalm 73:25, WEB).
We rebuke the spirit of worldliness in Jesus’ name. We declare that this brother/sister is no longer a slave to the patterns of this world but is a bondservant of Christ, free to walk in righteousness and holiness. May they be a light in the darkness, a vessel set apart for Your glory.
We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to take practical steps in this fight. Immerse yourself in Scripture daily. Memorize verses that combat worldliness (e.g., Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Peter 2:11, James 4:4). Flee from situations or influences that feed worldly desires. Seek accountability with mature believers who will speak truth into your life. And above all, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He has overcome the world (John 16:33), and in Him, you too will overcome.
Stand firm, dear one. The world’s pleasures are fleeting, but the rewards of obedience are eternal. *"Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life"* (Matthew 19:29, WEB). The sacrifice is worth it. Press on.