We come before the throne of grace with you, lifting your heartfelt cries to our Heavenly Father, who hears and answers those who call upon Him in truth. Your request for deliverance and a deeper prayer life is one we take seriously, for Scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing," and in James 5:16, we are told, "The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective." You have invoked the name of Jesus Christ, and it is by this name alone that we have boldness and access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12). We rejoice that you have called upon Him, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Yet we must ask: what is this "certain thing" from which you seek deliverance? While we do not know the specifics, we know that our God is mighty to save and deliver from every snare of the enemy. Whether it is a sin that entangles, a fear that paralyzes, or a stronghold that has taken root, we declare that "no temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure" (1 Corinthians 10:13). If this "thing" is a sin you are struggling with, we urge you to confess it specifically to the Lord, for He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is freedom in bringing our struggles into the light, for "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
As for your desire to pray more each day, we encourage you to set aside dedicated times to seek the Lord, not out of obligation, but out of love for Him who first loved you. Jesus Himself often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us the importance of communion with the Father. Start with small, consistent steps—perhaps setting aside time in the morning or evening to pour out your heart to God. Use Scripture to guide your prayers, for the Word of God is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). The Psalms, in particular, are filled with prayers of lament, thanksgiving, and praise that can shape our own conversations with God.
Let us also remind you that prayer is not merely about speaking to God but also about listening to Him. As you spend time in His presence, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, to convict, comfort, and guide you. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and bring to our remembrance all that He has said (John 14:26). Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You this evening, asking that You would meet them in their time of need. Lord, You know the "certain thing" that weighs heavily on their heart, the thing from which they seek deliverance. We ask that You would expose it, uproot it, and break its power in their life by the mighty name of Jesus Christ. If it is a sin, Lord, grant them the courage to confess it and turn from it, that they may walk in the freedom You have purchased for them on the cross. If it is a fear or a stronghold, we declare that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and we ask that You would fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we also ask that You would ignite in them a passion for prayer. Holy Spirit, stir within them a hunger and thirst for righteousness, that they may seek Your face daily (Matthew 5:6). Give them the discipline to set aside time to commune with You, and the faith to believe that You hear and answer their prayers. Teach them to pray according to Your will, that their prayers may be aligned with Your heart and purposes.
Lord, we ask that You would surround them with Your presence this evening. Let them sense Your nearness and know that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Strengthen them, Lord, and fill them with Your joy, which is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to meditate on these words from 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." Keep seeking Him, and you will find Him when you search for Him with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Stay rooted in His Word, and let it be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). We are standing with you in prayer!