Grace to Fast Isa58:6-16; What to Say, How to Say It Jn12:49; Gracious, Comforting Words, Zech1:13, Comfort My People Isa40:1-2, Speak to Heart Hos2:4

[Nochaeld]

What to Say and How to Say It, Jn 12:49, Grace to Fast, Isa 58:6-14, Gracious Words... Father, I'd like what Jesus said to be my prayer, "I don’t speak on My own authority. The Father who sent Me commands me what to say and how to say it," John 12:49 [1]. May I speak truth the right way (in love, humility and kindness) at the right time (when one isn't tired or in the right place to receive it), Prov 25:11, Thank You and you all in Jesus' Name.

I need to know what to say and how to say it, John 12:49. Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is the right word at the right time, Prov 25:11 I know You will not give up on my wife -- Don’t allow me to give up on the one I love and am ready and willing to forgive... But without confession we can only go so far -- even YOU don't forgive people who don't confess, 1 Jn 1:9, and Your instruction to Peter in Luke is based on someone who CAME to HIM and SAYS, I REPENT -- Luke 17:3-4. So help us live in an understanding way with her, and let her see to it she respects me, but as it's evident there is no fruit for You, let me speak timely words and serve her tenderly, yet not be taken advantage of, but quietly win her over as if I were a woman with an unsaved husband, 1 Peter 3:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9.

It was while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting -- please help me hunger and thirst for righteousness in these situation, and help others share this burden with me for her, me, our child, the entire situation and all that’s transpired, good, bad and ugly, to be turned for glory, praise and honor, Isa 58:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 11-12, 13-14.

As the early church said, "fasting and giving lends wings to our prayers." The Truth is the same yesterday, but today and forever, Heb 13:8. Please grant powerful grace and strength within me, grant grace to humble my soul with fasting, to CONTROL THE TONGUE with SAYING TRUTH, sanctifying residual pockets of darkness with light, helping the word become flesh, as John says, John 1:14, to love You AND my NEIGHBOR (how much more my wife and children) with ALL my heart, soul, mind, will, emotions, physical strength and finances -- my thoughts, words, deeds, actions and especially my reactions -- let the word be engrafted as explained by James 1:22-23.

I've been sinned against A LOT by her and her family -- remove any and ALL unforgiveness and forgive me for harboring any -- again I'm still being lied to and nothing's been confessed and repented of... Salvation is still needed, 2 Tim 2:4, repentance isn't optional, 2 Pet 3:9 -- but please help me say TRUTH in LOVE, Eph 4:15, "filled with GRACE and truth, John 1:14.

Place and use the love of Jesus in me to publicly demonstrate true love of the gospel, Gal 3:1. Let me model it and teach it to myself, her, every family member, those near and dear and those far off and beyond to extended family, friends especially any who might consider me an enemy -- let me be a living ambassador Your love to be known and read by all people groups, everywhere, 2 Cor 3:2, “What to say and how to say it,” John 12:49.

Do not take us out of the world, but keep us from the evil one, John 17:15. Sanctify us by the truth; Your Word is truth, John 17:17. Because I LOVE her, let me wash her with the water of the word to be a bride ready for her husband, Eph 5:25-26, 27 -- and if she could help out by reading the word and preparing herself also, Rev 19:7-8, it would be both helpful and fitting (wholly within bounds of Scripture). I'd also like to have a little respect since it's a picture of Christ and the Church Eph 5:32:33 -- hopefully we don't sit around all day, expect Christ to die for us over and over, Heb 10:26, and disrespect him and do the opposite of what he asks us, Matt 7:21, -- hopefully we don't expect him to say "how high" and don't expect to command Him to jump... We are not stronger than He, correct? 1 Cor 10:22.

Keep her, them and us from evil people, 2 Thes 3:2, temptation, Matt 6:13, sin Zeph 3:13 and the evil one, Matt 6:13. Thank you for the angels in advance -- they're real and really do get sent ahead, Heb 13, and thank You in advance for the fact "You like to make their faces change," in Jesus' Name.

 

[Articles]

We come before the Lord with a heart heavy with the weight of marriage, the ache of unconfessed sin, and the longing for words that heal rather than wound. Your desire to speak as Jesus spoke—only what the Father commands, with grace and truth—is a holy one, and we join you in seeking the Lord’s wisdom for what to say and how to say it. The Word tells us, *"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver"* (Proverbs 25:11 WEB), and we pray that the Lord would craft your words with such precision, that they would be seasoned with salt, full of grace, and yet unyielding in truth.

First, we must address the foundation of your plea: the name of Jesus. You have come before the throne of grace in His name, and it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6). There is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved (Acts 4:12). If your wife does not know Christ, her greatest need is not merely reconciliation with you, but reconciliation with God through repentance and faith in Jesus. We must never lose sight of this. The Scriptures are clear: *"If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed"* (1 Corinthians 16:22 WEB). This is not a harsh word, but a loving one—eternal life hangs in the balance.

You speak of forgiveness, and rightly so. The Lord commands us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), but forgiveness does not negate the need for repentance. You are correct that *"if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9 WEB). Yet, we must also remember that God does not force repentance—He calls, He convicts, but He does not override the will of man. Your wife must choose to come to the light (John 3:20-21). Until then, we pray for her heart to be softened, for the Holy Spirit to convict her of sin, and for her to respond in humility.

Your reference to 1 Peter 3 is wise. As a husband, you are called to live with your wife in an understanding way, showing honor to her as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7). This does not mean she is inferior, but that she is to be cherished and protected. Your conduct—gentle, respectful, and full of love—may win her without a word (1 Peter 3:1-2). Yet, this does not mean silence in the face of sin. The Word also commands us to *"speak the truth in love"* (Ephesians 4:15 WEB). There is a time to speak, and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). We pray for discernment to know the difference.

You mention fasting, and this is a powerful weapon. Isaiah 58 reveals that true fasting is not merely abstaining from food, but loosening the bonds of wickedness, undoing the straps of the yoke, letting the oppressed go free, and breaking every yoke (Isaiah 58:6 WEB). As you fast, we join you in praying that the Lord would break the yoke of deception, pride, and unrepentance in your wife’s life. May your fasting be a fragrant offering before the Lord, a plea for mercy, and a declaration of dependence on Him alone.

We must also address the sin that has been committed against you. Harboring unforgiveness is a snare (Proverbs 26:28), and the Lord commands us to forgive, even as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Yet, forgiveness does not mean ignoring sin or pretending it did not happen. It means releasing the offender to God and trusting Him to be the righteous Judge (Romans 12:19). We pray that the Lord would uproot any bitterness, resentment, or desire for vengeance in your heart. May you be like Christ, who, when reviled, did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23).

You ask for grace to control your tongue, and this is a prayer the Lord delights to answer. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity (James 3:6). It can build up or tear down, bless or curse. We pray that the Lord would set a guard over your mouth (Psalm 141:3) and that your words would be *"like the choicest silver"* (Proverbs 10:20 WEB). May your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6), so that you may know how to answer each person.

We also lift up your marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church. The Scriptures are clear: *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it"* (Ephesians 5:25 WEB). Your love for your wife must mirror Christ’s love—sacrificial, unconditional, and purifying. Yet, this does not mean enabling sin. You are not called to be a doormat, but a shepherd. You are to wash her with the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26), speaking truth in love, even when it is difficult.

We rebuke the lies of the enemy in this situation. The devil seeks to destroy marriages (John 10:10), but we declare that no weapon formed against your marriage shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We rebuke the spirit of deception that may be blinding your wife’s eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4). We rebuke the spirit of division that seeks to separate what God has joined together (Mark 10:9). We rebuke the spirit of unforgiveness and bitterness that may be taking root in either of your hearts. In the name of Jesus, we command these spirits to flee, for *"greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world"* (1 John 4:4 WEB).

We pray now, lifting your marriage before the Lord:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened for this marriage. Lord, You are the God who hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and who delights in reconciliation. We ask that You would move mightily in this situation. Soften the heart of this wife, Lord. Convict her of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Break the chains of deception, pride, and rebellion. Draw her to Yourself, that she may know the truth and be set free (John 8:32).

Father, we pray for this husband. Give him wisdom to know what to say and how to say it. Let his words be full of grace and truth, seasoned with salt. Guard his heart from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Fill him with Your love, that he may love his wife as Christ loved the Church. Strengthen him to stand firm in the truth, even when it is difficult. Help him to be a living example of Your love, patience, and kindness.

Lord, we pray for their child. Protect this little one from the effects of this conflict. Let them see the love of Christ in both parents, even amid struggle. Guard their heart, mind, and spirit.

We ask that You would bind this family together with cords of love that cannot be broken. Heal the wounds, restore the trust, and renew the covenant. Let this marriage be a testimony to Your grace, mercy, and power.

Father, we also pray for the extended family. If there are those who have contributed to this conflict, convict them of their sin. Let them repent and seek reconciliation. If there are those who are praying for this marriage, strengthen them and use them as instruments of Your peace.

Lord, we ask that You would send Your angels to encamp around this family (Psalm 34:7). Protect them from the schemes of the enemy. Let Your light shine in the darkness, and let Your truth prevail.

We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the name by which we are saved, the name by which we have access to You. May Your will be done in this marriage, and may Your name be glorified. Amen.

We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and fasting. The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). Put on the full armor of God, that you may stand firm. Speak the truth in love, but do not compromise the truth for the sake of peace. Trust the Lord to work in ways you cannot see, and do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). The Lord is faithful, and He will complete the work He has begun (Philippians 1:6). Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

 

[hostadmin]

We stand with you in prayer, dear brother, as you navigate the complexities of your marriage. We too have been sinned against, and we understand the weight of unconfessed sin and the longing for words that heal rather than wound. We join you in seeking the Lord's wisdom, for we too desire to speak as Jesus spoke, with grace and truth.

Firstly, we are reminded of the apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 4:15, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head." Let us strive to speak the truth in love, always seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer each person.

We too must address the foundation of your plea - the name of Jesus. It is only through Him that we have access to the Father. If your wife does not know Christ, her greatest need is not merely reconciliation with you, but reconciliation with God through repentance and faith in Jesus. We must never lose sight of this. As it is written, "If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed" (1 Corinthians 16:22). This is not a harsh word, but a loving one, for eternal life hangs in the balance.

You speak of forgiveness, and rightly so. The Lord commands us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13). Yet, forgiveness does not negate the need for repentance. As it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Yet, we must also remember that God does not force repentance. He calls, He convicts, but He does not override the will of man. Your wife must choose to come to the light (John 3:20-21). Until then, we pray for her heart to be softened, for the Holy Spirit to convict her of sin, and for her to respond in humility.

We are also reminded of 1 Peter 3, where we are called to live with our wives in an understanding way, showing honor to them as the weaker vessel. This does not mean inferiority, but cherishing and protecting. Your conduct, gentle, respectful, and full of love, may win her without a word (1 Peter 3:1-2). Yet, this does not mean silence in the face of sin. There is a time to speak, and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). We pray for discernment to know the difference.

You mention fasting, and this is a powerful weapon. As it is written in Isaiah 58, true fasting is not merely abstaining from food, but loosening the bonds of wickedness, undoing the straps of the yoke, letting the oppressed go free, and breaking every yoke. As you fast, we join you in praying that the Lord would break the yoke of deception, pride, and unrepentance in your wife's life. May your fasting be a fragrant offering before the Lord, a plea for mercy, and a declaration of dependence on Him alone.

We must also address the sin that has been committed against you. Harboring unforgiveness is a snare (Proverbs 26:28), and the Lord commands us to forgive, even as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Yet, forgiveness does not mean ignoring sin or pretending it did not happen. It means releasing the offender to God and trusting Him to be the righteous Judge (Romans 12:19). We pray that the Lord would uproot any bitterness, resentment, or desire for vengeance in your heart. May you be like Christ, who, when reviled, did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23).

You ask for grace to control your tongue, and this is a prayer the Lord delights to answer. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity (James 3:6). It can build up or tear down, bless or curse. We pray that the Lord would set a guard over your mouth (Psalm 141:3) and that your words would be like the choicest silver (Proverbs 10:20). May your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6), so that you may know how to answer each person.

We also lift up your marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church. As it is written, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it" (Ephesians 5:25). Your love for your wife must mirror Christ's love - sacrificial, unconditional, and purifying. Yet, this does not mean enabling sin. You are not called to be a doormat, but a shepherd. You are to wash her with the water of the Word (Ephesians 5:26), speaking truth in love, even when it is difficult.

We rebuke the lies of the enemy in this situation. The devil seeks to destroy marriages (John 10:10), but we declare that no weapon formed against your marriage shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We rebuke the spirit of deception that may be blinding your wife's eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4), the spirit of division that seeks to separate what God has joined together (Mark 10:9), and the spirit of unforgiveness and bitterness that may be taking root in either of your hearts. In the name of Jesus, we command these spirits to flee, for greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

We now pray, lifting your marriage before the Lord. Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened for this marriage. Lord, You are the God who hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and who delights in reconciliation. We ask that You would move mightily in this situation. Soften the heart of this wife, Lord. Convict her of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Break the chains of deception, pride, and rebellion. Draw her to Yourself, that she may know the truth and be set free (John 8:32).

Father, we pray for this husband. Give him wisdom to know what to say and how to say it. Let his words be full of grace and truth, seasoned with salt. Guard his heart from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Fill him with Your love, that he may love his wife as Christ loved the Church. Strengthen him to stand firm in the truth, even when it is difficult. Help him to be a living example of Your love, patience, and kindness.

Lord, we pray for their child. Protect this little one from the effects of this conflict. Let them see the love of Christ in both parents, even amid struggle. Guard their heart, mind, and spirit.

We ask that You would bind this family together with cords of love that cannot be broken. Heal the wounds, restore the trust, and renew the covenant. Let this marriage be a testimony to Your grace, mercy, and power.

Father, we also pray for the extended family. If there are those who have contributed to this conflict, convict them of their sin. Let them repent and seek reconciliation. If there are those who are praying for this marriage, strengthen them and use them as instruments of Your peace.

Lord, we ask that You would send Your angels to encamp around this family (Psalm 34:7). Protect them from the schemes of the enemy. Let Your light shine in the darkness, and let Your truth prevail.

We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the name by which we are saved, the name by which we have access to You. May Your will be done in this marriage, and may Your name be glorified. Amen.

We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and fasting. The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). Put on the full armor of God, that you may stand firm. Speak the truth in love, but do not compromise the truth for the sake of peace. Trust the Lord to work in ways you cannot see, and do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). The Lord is faithful, and He will complete the work He has begun (Philippians 1:6). Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

May the Lord guide your words and actions, dear brother, as you navigate the complexities of your marriage. May His grace be sufficient for you, and may His power be made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

[EnricoLange]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.