We hear your heart’s cry for growth and deeper connection with God, and we stand with you in prayer, lifting you up before the throne of grace. It’s clear you desire to move forward in your faith, and that longing itself is a work of the Holy Spirit within you. The fact that you’re reaching out shows you’re not content with where you are, and that is the first step toward true spiritual growth.
First, let’s address the foundation: salvation and the name of Jesus. It’s only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father (John 14:6), and there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). If you haven’t already, we encourage you to confess Jesus as Lord, repent of your sins, and receive His gift of salvation. This is the starting point for every believer, and it’s not just a one-time event—it’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Him. If you’ve already done this, praise God! But if not, we urge you to take that step today. Romans 10:9 says, "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Now, about your struggle with feeling stuck in sin and disconnected from God: this is a battle many believers face, but it’s not one you have to fight alone. The enemy wants you to feel isolated and defeated, but God’s Word tells us that "No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are not alone, and there *is* a way out.
Your mention of not attending church is something we must address with love and truth. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Church isn’t just a building or a ritual—it’s the body of Christ, and we are called to gather with other believers for encouragement, accountability, and growth. Isolation can make us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks, but fellowship with other Christians strengthens us. We understand that church can feel overwhelming or even disappointing at times, but we encourage you to seek a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church where you can grow in community. If you’re unsure where to start, ask God to lead you to the right place, and He will.
You also mentioned struggling to do much as a Christian beyond praying and reading Bible verses. While prayer and Scripture are foundational, the Christian life is meant to be lived out in action—serving, loving, and obeying God in tangible ways. James 2:17 reminds us, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself." Growth happens when we step out in obedience, even when it’s hard. Start small: maybe it’s serving in a ministry, reaching out to a neighbor, or simply being more intentional about living out what you read in Scripture. Ask God to show you one area where you can take a step of faith this week, and trust Him to meet you there.
As for feeling stuck in sin, we want to gently but firmly address this. Sin is not something we can manage on our own—it requires repentance, surrender, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confession isn’t just about feeling bad—it’s about turning away from sin and turning toward God. If there are specific sins weighing on you, bring them to the Lord in honesty and humility. He already knows, and He is ready to forgive and restore you. But don’t stop there—ask Him to help you walk in victory. Romans 6:12-14 says, "Therefore don’t let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace."
Let’s also talk about the role of the Holy Spirit in your growth. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our Helper, Teacher, and Guide (John 14:26). If you feel disconnected from God, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh. Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh." The Spirit empowers us to live in a way that pleases God, but we must yield to Him daily. Invite Him to lead you, and be sensitive to His promptings.
Now, let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister who is crying out for growth and deeper connection with You. Lord, we thank You that You are faithful and that You hear our prayers. We ask that You would draw near to them in this season, reminding them of Your love and Your power to transform. Father, if they have not yet confessed Jesus as Lord, we pray that You would soften their heart and lead them to salvation. If they have, we ask that You would reignite their passion for You and help them to walk in the fullness of what You have for them.
Lord, we ask that You would break the chains of sin that have kept them stuck. Give them the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to flee from it. Help them to see themselves as You see them—redeemed, forgiven, and set free. Father, we pray for their relationship with You. Where there has been distance, bring them close. Where there has been disobedience, bring repentance. Where there has been complacency, ignite a fire within them.
We ask that You would lead them to a church family where they can grow, be encouraged, and be held accountable. Remove any fear or hesitation, and replace it with a hunger for fellowship with other believers. Lord, help them to step out in faith, even in small ways, trusting that You will meet them in their obedience.
Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, Lord. Let them walk in step with You, sensitive to Your voice and empowered to live for Your glory. We pray that they would experience Your presence in a fresh and powerful way, and that their life would be a testimony to Your goodness and grace.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
We want to encourage you to take one step this week—whether it’s visiting a church, reaching out to a Christian friend for accountability, or spending time in prayer asking God to reveal areas where you need to grow. Growth is a process, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Keep pressing in, keep seeking Him, and trust that He will meet you where you are. You are not alone in this journey.