About a week or so ago, I requested counseling from my pastor about spiritual warfare that involves my mother's family (and other family members as well) which has been causing turmoil in my life for years. Although I know the pastor and elders are there for congregants to get spiritual guidance from, with this situation, it often seems that I have to be careful about how I discuss it with other people because I have found that at times when I try to talk about it with people, they themselves will begin acting weird toward me as if they are being pulled into the warfare as well (and this could also be because of HOW I've discussed it with them). Well, I asked for this counseling in addition to counseling he wants to give me about my boyfriend. I'm not sure if asking him for counseling about this spiritual warfare situation was a good idea but things in the situation were becoming so overwhelming that I felt I had to. Please pray for me about this. Pray all would go well - I almost want to tell him never mind about counseling for the spiritual warfare but I don't think I can now. I am also concerned that the intentions behind him wanting to counsel me about my boyfriend are not the best because I have had issues with my pastor and other church members ALSO being influenced to behave unnaturally negatively toward me (this warfare has been targeting me through people in retaliation for me leaving the new age and coming back to Christ). Thank you.
Counseling
We hear your heart and the deep struggle you are facing, and we stand with you in fervent prayer. The spiritual warfare you describe is real, and the enemy seeks to isolate, discourage, and distort the truth in your life. We rebuke every scheme of the devil aimed at you and your family in the mighty name of Jesus. The Bible tells us, "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). You are not alone in this battle, and we declare that God’s light will expose every darkness and His truth will prevail.
First, we must address the concern about your relationship with your boyfriend. Scripture is clear that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and any romantic relationship should be pursued with the intention of honoring God in purity and commitment. The term "boyfriend" suggests a relationship that may not yet align with God’s design for courtship leading to marriage. If this relationship is not rooted in Christ and does not have marriage as its ultimate goal, we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether it is honoring to the Lord. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). If your boyfriend is not a believer, this relationship could be a stumbling block in your walk with Christ. If he is a believer, the relationship should reflect godly principles, including purity and a clear path toward marriage.
We also want to gently rebuke any fear or hesitation you have about seeking counsel from your pastor. While it is wise to be discerning, especially when spiritual warfare is involved, withdrawing from godly counsel out of fear can leave you vulnerable. The enemy wants you to feel isolated, but God has placed spiritual leaders in your life for your protection and growth. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who will give an account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). If you sense ungodly influence in your pastor’s intentions, pray for discernment and wisdom. But do not let fear prevent you from receiving the help God may be offering through him.
We also notice that your request does not explicitly mention the name of Jesus, though we know you are a believer. It is critical to remember that our access to God and victory over spiritual warfare comes only through Jesus Christ. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me'" (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we are saved or delivered. We encourage you to boldly declare the name of Jesus in your prayers and conversations, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth" (Philippians 2:10).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sister who is facing intense spiritual warfare. Lord, we ask that You would surround her with Your hedge of protection and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. We rebuke every spirit of fear, confusion, and isolation that seeks to torment her. Father, give her wisdom and discernment as she seeks counsel from her pastor. May Your Holy Spirit guide their conversations and protect her heart from any ungodly influence. We pray for her relationship with her boyfriend, Lord. If this relationship is not of You, expose the truth and give her the strength to walk away. If it is Your will for her to pursue marriage, let it be with a godly man who loves You above all else. Father, we declare that no weapon formed against her shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against her in judgment, she shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Strengthen her faith, Lord, and remind her that You are her refuge and fortress. We thank You for Your faithfulness and ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
We encourage you to stand firm in your faith, sister. The enemy may be relentless, but God is greater. Spend time in God’s Word, surround yourself with believers who will pray for you and hold you accountable, and do not hesitate to reach out to your pastor with honesty and humility. If you feel led, share your concerns with him about how others have reacted to your situation, and ask for his guidance on how to navigate these conversations in a way that honors God. You are not alone, and we are standing with you in prayer. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you.
First, we must address the concern about your relationship with your boyfriend. Scripture is clear that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, and any romantic relationship should be pursued with the intention of honoring God in purity and commitment. The term "boyfriend" suggests a relationship that may not yet align with God’s design for courtship leading to marriage. If this relationship is not rooted in Christ and does not have marriage as its ultimate goal, we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether it is honoring to the Lord. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). If your boyfriend is not a believer, this relationship could be a stumbling block in your walk with Christ. If he is a believer, the relationship should reflect godly principles, including purity and a clear path toward marriage.
We also want to gently rebuke any fear or hesitation you have about seeking counsel from your pastor. While it is wise to be discerning, especially when spiritual warfare is involved, withdrawing from godly counsel out of fear can leave you vulnerable. The enemy wants you to feel isolated, but God has placed spiritual leaders in your life for your protection and growth. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who will give an account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). If you sense ungodly influence in your pastor’s intentions, pray for discernment and wisdom. But do not let fear prevent you from receiving the help God may be offering through him.
We also notice that your request does not explicitly mention the name of Jesus, though we know you are a believer. It is critical to remember that our access to God and victory over spiritual warfare comes only through Jesus Christ. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me'" (John 14:6). There is no other name by which we are saved or delivered. We encourage you to boldly declare the name of Jesus in your prayers and conversations, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth" (Philippians 2:10).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sister who is facing intense spiritual warfare. Lord, we ask that You would surround her with Your hedge of protection and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. We rebuke every spirit of fear, confusion, and isolation that seeks to torment her. Father, give her wisdom and discernment as she seeks counsel from her pastor. May Your Holy Spirit guide their conversations and protect her heart from any ungodly influence. We pray for her relationship with her boyfriend, Lord. If this relationship is not of You, expose the truth and give her the strength to walk away. If it is Your will for her to pursue marriage, let it be with a godly man who loves You above all else. Father, we declare that no weapon formed against her shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against her in judgment, she shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Strengthen her faith, Lord, and remind her that You are her refuge and fortress. We thank You for Your faithfulness and ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
We encourage you to stand firm in your faith, sister. The enemy may be relentless, but God is greater. Spend time in God’s Word, surround yourself with believers who will pray for you and hold you accountable, and do not hesitate to reach out to your pastor with honesty and humility. If you feel led, share your concerns with him about how others have reacted to your situation, and ask for his guidance on how to navigate these conversations in a way that honors God. You are not alone, and we are standing with you in prayer. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you.
We can understand why this feels heavy. You have carried years of turmoil, and reaching for help took courage. It makes sense that you would feel cautious about what you share and how, especially when past conversations seemed to pull others into the confusion. That kind of experience can make even good counsel feel risky.
One thing we would gently urge is not to cancel out of fear. Instead, consider telling your pastor plainly that you need to go slowly and that you have some hesitations about how this will unfold. You do not have to unpack everything in one session. It may help to ask him how he typically approaches spiritual warfare concerns and what confidentiality looks like. You could also ask to keep the topic of your boyfriend separate for now so nothing feels tangled. That is a reasonable request, not a lack of trust.
As you prepare, it may steady you to write down the one or two things that feel most overwhelming right now. That gives you something concrete to return to if the conversation starts to feel scattered or unsafe.
We are praying for you in this.
Father, thank You for this woman and for the courage she is showing. Grant her a clear mind and a settled heart as she seeks counsel. Place a guard over the conversation, and give her pastor wisdom, gentleness, and discernment. Protect her from confusion and fear, and let her sense Your steady presence. May she speak with honesty and hear what is true. We ask for peace that does not depend on how others respond. In Jesus' name, amen.
One thing we would gently urge is not to cancel out of fear. Instead, consider telling your pastor plainly that you need to go slowly and that you have some hesitations about how this will unfold. You do not have to unpack everything in one session. It may help to ask him how he typically approaches spiritual warfare concerns and what confidentiality looks like. You could also ask to keep the topic of your boyfriend separate for now so nothing feels tangled. That is a reasonable request, not a lack of trust.
As you prepare, it may steady you to write down the one or two things that feel most overwhelming right now. That gives you something concrete to return to if the conversation starts to feel scattered or unsafe.
We are praying for you in this.
Father, thank You for this woman and for the courage she is showing. Grant her a clear mind and a settled heart as she seeks counsel. Place a guard over the conversation, and give her pastor wisdom, gentleness, and discernment. Protect her from confusion and fear, and let her sense Your steady presence. May she speak with honesty and hear what is true. We ask for peace that does not depend on how others respond. In Jesus' name, amen.
I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.
JesusourLordandSavior
Beloved of All
Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing us with another day, and for all you do for all of us. All glory and honor belongs to you Father. Please Heavenly Father grant strength and deliverance where necessary. I lift this prayer up on your glory Father God and ask that you grant your perfect will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
You have done right to ask for counsel, and you would do wrong to withdraw it now. To say “never mind” would be to let the fear of men bring a snare, and such a snare has tripped many feet. The Lord says, “Fear not, for I will help thee.” Fear not at all. It is disobedience to be afraid when God has promised to help.
Concerning the spiritual warfare, be sober and do not cast such things before those who are not fitted to bear them. Many become strange when they hear accounts of darkness, not because they are necessarily attacked, but because they do not know what to do with what they have heard. Your pastor and elders are called to watch for your soul, so bring the matter to them plainly, but do not make the enemy the center of your conversation. Your safety is not in skillfully describing the warfare, but in Christ, the Word, prayer, and the armor of God. You left the new age and came back to Christ; do not now live as though the old powers had more claim upon you than the blood of Jesus. Christ has spoiled principalities and powers.
Concerning your boyfriend, I will pray for wisdom, but I cannot ask God to bless a relationship that contradicts His law. If the relationship is chaste and ordered toward marriage, godly counsel should strengthen it. If it is not, then your pastor has a duty to call you to repentance and not to speak smooth things. Be slow to accuse him of ill intent. The enemy would like nothing more than to make you suspicious of the very shepherds God has placed over you. Yet test all counsel by Scripture. Why should the child of God be afraid? The fear of God brings blessings, but the fear of man weakens and dishonors God.
I will pray that all may go well, but I will pray more that truth may have free course in your heart, that hidden things may be brought into the light, and that you may fear the Lord and His goodness rather than any creature. Do not draw back from the counsel you sought. Let it be a review of your life, and the Lord can make even that review a means of grace.
Concerning the spiritual warfare, be sober and do not cast such things before those who are not fitted to bear them. Many become strange when they hear accounts of darkness, not because they are necessarily attacked, but because they do not know what to do with what they have heard. Your pastor and elders are called to watch for your soul, so bring the matter to them plainly, but do not make the enemy the center of your conversation. Your safety is not in skillfully describing the warfare, but in Christ, the Word, prayer, and the armor of God. You left the new age and came back to Christ; do not now live as though the old powers had more claim upon you than the blood of Jesus. Christ has spoiled principalities and powers.
Concerning your boyfriend, I will pray for wisdom, but I cannot ask God to bless a relationship that contradicts His law. If the relationship is chaste and ordered toward marriage, godly counsel should strengthen it. If it is not, then your pastor has a duty to call you to repentance and not to speak smooth things. Be slow to accuse him of ill intent. The enemy would like nothing more than to make you suspicious of the very shepherds God has placed over you. Yet test all counsel by Scripture. Why should the child of God be afraid? The fear of God brings blessings, but the fear of man weakens and dishonors God.
I will pray that all may go well, but I will pray more that truth may have free course in your heart, that hidden things may be brought into the light, and that you may fear the Lord and His goodness rather than any creature. Do not draw back from the counsel you sought. Let it be a review of your life, and the Lord can make even that review a means of grace.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You have done well to seek counsel, and you are right not to carry this burden alone. The enemy works best in secrecy and isolation. So do not now tell the pastor never mind. The fear that whispers "take it back" is not the voice of peace. Ananias was terrified when the Lord sent him to Paul. He saw only a persecutor, but God saw a chosen vessel. Your pastor may not understand everything, and you may need patience with him, but withdrawing from counsel will not help. It will leave the turmoil unexamined.
Spiritual warfare is real, but its power is broken. When Christ was crucified, the prison of darkness was burst, the gates of brass were broken, and the keepers of hell cowered in fear. You left the new age and came back to Christ. That is a real turn from darkness to light, and the demons hate it. But they rage as defeated enemies, not as equal powers. Do not live as though they still hold authority over you. Salvation is in Jesus Christ alone. Hold fast to him.
Be careful in how you speak about these things. You have already noticed that the way you describe the warfare can pull others into confusion. Speak plainly, without dramatic retelling, and ask for prayer and scriptural help rather than asking people to interpret every sign. Not every strange look or hard word is demonic. Some people simply do not know what to do with such talk. Others may be weak. And some hard words may be God's kindness to you. The command "eye for eye" was given not to let your hands loose in retaliation, but to bind the aggressor's hands. In the same way, do not let the warfare become a story in which every correction is persecution.
About your boyfriend, listen carefully. If you are living with him or sleeping with him outside marriage, then the counsel you call negative may simply be the truth that such a relationship is sin. That is not the enemy attacking you. That is God calling you to repentance. Do not use spiritual warfare as a shield against accountability. Marriage is a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and sexual union belongs within it. If your relationship does not match that, the most loving thing a pastor can do is tell you plainly, even if it stings.
Test what he says by the word of God. If he calls you to something contrary to the gospel, do not follow. But if he calls you to purity and truth, receive it as from the Lord.
I will pray as you ask. I will pray that fear be cast out, that you speak the truth with calm and not with dread, that any hidden sin be brought into the light for healing, that your pastor have wisdom and not be swayed by suspicion or flattery, and that you know the peace of Christ which overcomes the world. Do not be ashamed to ask for counsel. Do not be afraid to hear hard things. The Lord is your refuge.
Spiritual warfare is real, but its power is broken. When Christ was crucified, the prison of darkness was burst, the gates of brass were broken, and the keepers of hell cowered in fear. You left the new age and came back to Christ. That is a real turn from darkness to light, and the demons hate it. But they rage as defeated enemies, not as equal powers. Do not live as though they still hold authority over you. Salvation is in Jesus Christ alone. Hold fast to him.
Be careful in how you speak about these things. You have already noticed that the way you describe the warfare can pull others into confusion. Speak plainly, without dramatic retelling, and ask for prayer and scriptural help rather than asking people to interpret every sign. Not every strange look or hard word is demonic. Some people simply do not know what to do with such talk. Others may be weak. And some hard words may be God's kindness to you. The command "eye for eye" was given not to let your hands loose in retaliation, but to bind the aggressor's hands. In the same way, do not let the warfare become a story in which every correction is persecution.
About your boyfriend, listen carefully. If you are living with him or sleeping with him outside marriage, then the counsel you call negative may simply be the truth that such a relationship is sin. That is not the enemy attacking you. That is God calling you to repentance. Do not use spiritual warfare as a shield against accountability. Marriage is a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and sexual union belongs within it. If your relationship does not match that, the most loving thing a pastor can do is tell you plainly, even if it stings.
Test what he says by the word of God. If he calls you to something contrary to the gospel, do not follow. But if he calls you to purity and truth, receive it as from the Lord.
I will pray as you ask. I will pray that fear be cast out, that you speak the truth with calm and not with dread, that any hidden sin be brought into the light for healing, that your pastor have wisdom and not be swayed by suspicion or flattery, and that you know the peace of Christ which overcomes the world. Do not be ashamed to ask for counsel. Do not be afraid to hear hard things. The Lord is your refuge.
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