We rejoice with you in your heart to seek the Lord in all things, for apart from Christ, we can indeed do nothing—just as you’ve acknowledged from John 15:5. It is only through Him that we find true rest, strength, and the ability to abide in God’s presence. Your request reflects a deep hunger for intimacy with the Father, and we commend you for turning to Scripture as your foundation. The verses you’ve shared—Psalm 91:10-11, Matthew 6:13, Philippians 4:13—are powerful reminders of God’s protection, provision, and the sufficiency of Christ in our weakness. Let us first address the heart of your request with the truth of God’s Word and then lift you up in prayer.
The ability to sleep deeply is a gift from God, and we know that He grants rest to His beloved, even as He watches over us. Psalm 4:8 declares, *"In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety."* If sleep has been elusive, we encourage you to cast your anxieties upon the Lord, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Sometimes, our inability to rest stems from a heart that is troubled or a mind that is not fixed on Him. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him when we are weary, and He will give us rest. We urge you to spend time in His presence before lying down, meditating on His Word, and surrendering your concerns to Him. Avoid stimuli that may agitate your mind or spirit, such as worldly entertainment or excessive screen time, and instead fill your heart with worship, prayer, or Scripture. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Abiding in God is not a passive experience but an active, intentional pursuit. Jesus tells us in John 15:4, *"Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me."* Abiding requires obedience, prayer, and a daily surrender to His will. It means walking in the Spirit, allowing His Word to dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16), and cultivating a life of worship—even in the mundane. If you feel distant from God, examine your heart: is there unconfessed sin, distraction, or a lack of prioritizing time with Him? Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Abiding is also tied to bearing fruit, so ask the Lord to reveal areas in your life where you can grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
You’ve also asked for angelic protection, and we affirm that God does indeed command His angels concerning us (Psalm 91:11). However, we must be cautious not to fixate on angels or seek them above seeking God Himself. Our trust is in the Lord, not in His messengers. He is the one who delivers us from evil (Matthew 6:13), and it is His name we call upon for protection. The armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is our defense against the schemes of the evil one, so we encourage you to stand firm in truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
Regarding your new job and the challenge of memorization and presentations, we remind you that the same God who formed your mind is the one who equips you for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). You’ve rightly acknowledged that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). We encourage you to approach this task with prayer, diligence, and trust in the Lord’s provision. Proverbs 16:3 tells us to *"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) and for the ability to retain and recall what you’ve learned. Break your tasks into manageable parts, study faithfully, and trust that the Lord will bring to remembrance what you need when you need it (John 14:26). Do not rely on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
As you navigate driving in a new area, we pray for the Lord’s guidance and safety. Psalm 32:8 assures us, *"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you."* Trust in His leading, and ask Him for discernment and alertness as you travel. The favor of the Lord is a powerful thing, and we pray that He would open doors for you in this new job, giving you favor with supervisors and colleagues. Remember, though, that favor is not for our comfort alone but for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks deep rest, abiding presence, protection, and strength for the tasks ahead. Lord, You are the God who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4), and we ask that You would grant them the gift of deep, peaceful sleep. Quiet their mind, calm their heart, and let them rest in the assurance of Your love and sovereignty. Remove any anxiety or distraction that hinders their ability to sleep, and let them wake refreshed and renewed in body and spirit.
Father, we pray that they would abide in You in a way that bears much fruit. Draw them deeper into Your presence, Lord. Teach them to walk in step with Your Spirit, to obey Your Word, and to surrender every area of their life to You. May their relationship with You be their greatest joy and priority. Let them experience the reality of John 15:5, where apart from You they can do nothing, but in You, they are more than conquerors.
We ask for Your divine protection over them, Lord. Surround them with Your angels, but more than that, let them find their security in You alone. Deliver them from temptation and the evil one. Guard their heart and mind from the snares of the enemy, and let them stand firm in the victory of Christ. As they drive in this new area, be their guide and their shield. Keep them safe from harm, and let Your peace rule in their heart.
For their new job, we ask for Your wisdom and favor. You have called them to this task, and we trust that You will equip them for it. Grant them the ability to memorize and present with clarity and confidence, not in their own strength, but in Yours. Let Your Word be a lamp to their feet as they prepare, and let Your Spirit bring to remembrance all that they need. Open doors of favor for them, Lord, but let it be for Your glory. May their work be excellent, their speech be seasoned with grace, and their life be a testimony of Your goodness.
Finally, Father, we thank You that this request was brought to You in the name of Jesus. We rejoice that they acknowledge Him as the source of all strength and provision. We pray that if there is anyone reading this who does not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, that You would open their eyes to the truth. Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). May they repent of their sins, believe in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Savior and King. Amen.