Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your honest prayer has been received and I have read it with care. Thank you for opening your heart about so much at once, your health, your home and work, your past relationship, your struggle with depression and anxiety, and your desire to be made whole from head to toe. God sees you and hears you, and He invites you to bring every burden to Him.
I want to pray with you for healing in your body. You mentioned flat feet, mild scoliosis, a tear in your lower back, bumps on your arms, weight gain and constant sleepiness, and the sadness that has followed cutting your hair and not feeling like yourself. God is the maker of your body and He cares for your suffering. I will pray that He gives you strength, comfort, and wisdom as you seek care, and that He helps you find rest and renewed health in Him. For your daily needs, a safe place to live, work, transportation and the ability to learn to drive safely, I pray that God will provide what you need according to His wisdom and goodness, and teach you contentment and stewardship as you trust Him day by day. Material things like a car, a bike or a phone can be useful tools, but lasting joy does not come from them. True beauty and peace, as Scripture teaches, is not in outward adornment but in the heart that is being renewed by Christ, a beauty that disease and anxiety cannot wither.
You also shared about a long relationship of almost seven years without marriage, with a man who wanted polygamy, and the pain of that breakup along with hurt over comments about your weight. I want to respond with both compassion and truth. God designed marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and He designed sexual intimacy and living together to belong within that covenant. For that reason I cannot affirm or ask God to bless polygamy or living together outside of marriage, because it goes against His good design. But I can and do pray for your healing from the deep wound of that breakup, for comfort in rejection, for restoration of your sense of worth as one made in God's image, and for grace to walk in His way going forward. Your value is not measured by your weight or appearance, but by being loved and redeemed by Christ.
You spoke of taking an injection for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, of side effects you dislike, and of wanting to come off it, along with feelings of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Please hear that your life is precious to God and to those who love you, including your mother and grandmother whom you mentioned. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out right away to a trusted person near you, a pastor, counselor, or medical provider, and if you are in distress you can call or text a crisis helpline in your country. For example in the United States you can call or text ###. Please do not make changes to prescribed medication on your own. Talk openly with your prescribing doctor about the side effects, the sleepiness and weight gain, and your desire to feel like yourself again. Bring a family member or trusted friend with you if you can, and also seek counsel from a pastor who can walk with you alongside your medical care. God can use doctors, counselors, prayer, His Word, and the support of His people together for your healing.
You said you read the Bible and pray yet still feel sad and depressed, and you long for forgiveness and for better days. That longing is right and good. Forgiveness and healing of soul come through Jesus Christ alone, who died and rose to bear our sins and to give us new life. When we turn from our past sins and put our trust in Him, He forgives completely and makes us His own. Healing of mind, body and soul is often a process, not an instant change. Keep drawing near to Him in prayer and Scripture, not as a way to earn His favor, but as a way to hear His promises. Ask Him to lift anxiety and to give you His peace, to free you from despair, and to surround you with faithful people who can support you where you live. If you dislike your town and desire to move, pray for God's clear guidance and for contentment where you are until He opens the right door.
Let me pray for you now.
Father in heaven, I lift up this dear one to You through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Thank You that forgiveness is offered through Him alone to all who repent and believe. Wash away every sin by His blood and give assurance of Your mercy. Touch this body from head to toe and bring healing according to Your will, ease pain in the back and feet, and bring strength and rest. Comfort this heart that feels lost, depressed and anxious, and guard this mind. Protect from thoughts of suicide and surround with help and hope. Give wisdom to doctors and counselors, and give clarity about medication and care. Heal the hurt from the past relationship, restore a true sense of identity in Christ, and lead in purity and in Your design for love and marriage. Provide for daily needs, for home and work and safe travel, and grant better days rooted in knowing You. Bless this person's mother and grandmother, keep them in Your care, and draw this whole family closer to You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Please continue to stay connected to a local church, share honestly with a pastor and a medical provider about what you are carrying, and keep bringing every care to God. He is near to the brokenhearted and He is able to renew you day by day.
I want to pray with you for healing in your body. You mentioned flat feet, mild scoliosis, a tear in your lower back, bumps on your arms, weight gain and constant sleepiness, and the sadness that has followed cutting your hair and not feeling like yourself. God is the maker of your body and He cares for your suffering. I will pray that He gives you strength, comfort, and wisdom as you seek care, and that He helps you find rest and renewed health in Him. For your daily needs, a safe place to live, work, transportation and the ability to learn to drive safely, I pray that God will provide what you need according to His wisdom and goodness, and teach you contentment and stewardship as you trust Him day by day. Material things like a car, a bike or a phone can be useful tools, but lasting joy does not come from them. True beauty and peace, as Scripture teaches, is not in outward adornment but in the heart that is being renewed by Christ, a beauty that disease and anxiety cannot wither.
You also shared about a long relationship of almost seven years without marriage, with a man who wanted polygamy, and the pain of that breakup along with hurt over comments about your weight. I want to respond with both compassion and truth. God designed marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and He designed sexual intimacy and living together to belong within that covenant. For that reason I cannot affirm or ask God to bless polygamy or living together outside of marriage, because it goes against His good design. But I can and do pray for your healing from the deep wound of that breakup, for comfort in rejection, for restoration of your sense of worth as one made in God's image, and for grace to walk in His way going forward. Your value is not measured by your weight or appearance, but by being loved and redeemed by Christ.
You spoke of taking an injection for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, of side effects you dislike, and of wanting to come off it, along with feelings of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Please hear that your life is precious to God and to those who love you, including your mother and grandmother whom you mentioned. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out right away to a trusted person near you, a pastor, counselor, or medical provider, and if you are in distress you can call or text a crisis helpline in your country. For example in the United States you can call or text ###. Please do not make changes to prescribed medication on your own. Talk openly with your prescribing doctor about the side effects, the sleepiness and weight gain, and your desire to feel like yourself again. Bring a family member or trusted friend with you if you can, and also seek counsel from a pastor who can walk with you alongside your medical care. God can use doctors, counselors, prayer, His Word, and the support of His people together for your healing.
You said you read the Bible and pray yet still feel sad and depressed, and you long for forgiveness and for better days. That longing is right and good. Forgiveness and healing of soul come through Jesus Christ alone, who died and rose to bear our sins and to give us new life. When we turn from our past sins and put our trust in Him, He forgives completely and makes us His own. Healing of mind, body and soul is often a process, not an instant change. Keep drawing near to Him in prayer and Scripture, not as a way to earn His favor, but as a way to hear His promises. Ask Him to lift anxiety and to give you His peace, to free you from despair, and to surround you with faithful people who can support you where you live. If you dislike your town and desire to move, pray for God's clear guidance and for contentment where you are until He opens the right door.
Let me pray for you now.
Father in heaven, I lift up this dear one to You through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Thank You that forgiveness is offered through Him alone to all who repent and believe. Wash away every sin by His blood and give assurance of Your mercy. Touch this body from head to toe and bring healing according to Your will, ease pain in the back and feet, and bring strength and rest. Comfort this heart that feels lost, depressed and anxious, and guard this mind. Protect from thoughts of suicide and surround with help and hope. Give wisdom to doctors and counselors, and give clarity about medication and care. Heal the hurt from the past relationship, restore a true sense of identity in Christ, and lead in purity and in Your design for love and marriage. Provide for daily needs, for home and work and safe travel, and grant better days rooted in knowing You. Bless this person's mother and grandmother, keep them in Your care, and draw this whole family closer to You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Please continue to stay connected to a local church, share honestly with a pastor and a medical provider about what you are carrying, and keep bringing every care to God. He is near to the brokenhearted and He is able to renew you day by day.
