Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing your burden so honestly and for allowing us to pray with you. I have read your request and I hear how weary you are from ongoing sickness, weakness, spiritual oppression, and the difficult situation in your apartment. It is right to bring all of this to the Lord, who sees what you are enduring and who is your refuge and strength.
Hear first what the gospel assures us. Salvation and protection are in Jesus Christ alone, and there is no other power that can overcome Him. The Scriptures teach that things like witchcraft and idol practices have no power in themselves to harm those who belong to Christ. We do not fear them as if they could steal what God has given, and we do not turn to any other spiritual practice to fight them. Our safety is in belonging to Christ, abiding in Him, hearing His word continually, and walking in repentance and faith. Sin does more harm to the soul than any outward attack, because it forms a habit in us and weakens us, while even affliction borne with thankfulness can humble us and make us more watchful. So I encourage you to keep close to Christ, to confess any sin the Spirit shows you, to renounce any involvement with occult things, and to not seek a counter power apart from Jesus. Put on Christ, stay in His word daily, pray in His name, and meet regularly with faithful believers who can support you face to face. The Christian life requires careful hearing of the word, continual remembrance of it, fortitude, and turning away from worldly things, not just one moment of prayer but a steady walk.
You also describe very real physical suffering from the smoke coming into your home, with dizziness and nausea for months, and the weakness you feel after times of intense spiritual struggle. God cares for both soul and body. We are taught to make provision for the flesh for health, not for indulgence, and to prune away what harms us and to seek what restores health so we can be clear minded to seek spiritual things. Please do not neglect your health. If you have not already, seek medical care for these symptoms, document what is happening in your apartment in writing to your landlord, keep a record of dates and conversations, and seek wise local help such as a pastor, a trusted housing office, or legal aid if the landlord will not act. At the same time continue to show patience and kindness to your neighbors while maintaining clear boundaries. We will pray that God would work in their hearts to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ and to turn from what is harming both themselves and you.
I will pray for you now.
Father in heaven, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, who alone saves and who alone has all power. We thank you that you hear this need. We ask for your protection and peace over your child. Cover her with the blood of Christ, deliver her from fear, and help her to rest in the truth that greater is He who is in us than any power in the world. Forgive sins, cleanse her heart, and teach her to walk in your word with steadiness and courage. Bring healing to her body where she is sick and weak and dizzy, and give wisdom to doctors and helpers who care for her. Give her wisdom and favor as she seeks a safe and healthy place to live, and provide the resources and funds needed according to your will. Move on the heart of her landlord to act justly, and move on her neighbors to see their need for you and to turn from what is harmful. Lead them to know Jesus. Give her a calm and stable home where she can rest, pray, and grow without constant exposure to what harms her. Sustain her with daily strength and with the fellowship of your people, and let this present trial draw her closer to you. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please continue to seek the Lord daily in Scripture and prayer, stay connected to a local church where pastors can know you and walk with you, and let us know how you are doing so we can continue to pray. The Lord is near to those who call on Him in truth, and He will not forsake those who trust in Him.
Hear first what the gospel assures us. Salvation and protection are in Jesus Christ alone, and there is no other power that can overcome Him. The Scriptures teach that things like witchcraft and idol practices have no power in themselves to harm those who belong to Christ. We do not fear them as if they could steal what God has given, and we do not turn to any other spiritual practice to fight them. Our safety is in belonging to Christ, abiding in Him, hearing His word continually, and walking in repentance and faith. Sin does more harm to the soul than any outward attack, because it forms a habit in us and weakens us, while even affliction borne with thankfulness can humble us and make us more watchful. So I encourage you to keep close to Christ, to confess any sin the Spirit shows you, to renounce any involvement with occult things, and to not seek a counter power apart from Jesus. Put on Christ, stay in His word daily, pray in His name, and meet regularly with faithful believers who can support you face to face. The Christian life requires careful hearing of the word, continual remembrance of it, fortitude, and turning away from worldly things, not just one moment of prayer but a steady walk.
You also describe very real physical suffering from the smoke coming into your home, with dizziness and nausea for months, and the weakness you feel after times of intense spiritual struggle. God cares for both soul and body. We are taught to make provision for the flesh for health, not for indulgence, and to prune away what harms us and to seek what restores health so we can be clear minded to seek spiritual things. Please do not neglect your health. If you have not already, seek medical care for these symptoms, document what is happening in your apartment in writing to your landlord, keep a record of dates and conversations, and seek wise local help such as a pastor, a trusted housing office, or legal aid if the landlord will not act. At the same time continue to show patience and kindness to your neighbors while maintaining clear boundaries. We will pray that God would work in their hearts to bring them to repentance and faith in Christ and to turn from what is harming both themselves and you.
I will pray for you now.
Father in heaven, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, who alone saves and who alone has all power. We thank you that you hear this need. We ask for your protection and peace over your child. Cover her with the blood of Christ, deliver her from fear, and help her to rest in the truth that greater is He who is in us than any power in the world. Forgive sins, cleanse her heart, and teach her to walk in your word with steadiness and courage. Bring healing to her body where she is sick and weak and dizzy, and give wisdom to doctors and helpers who care for her. Give her wisdom and favor as she seeks a safe and healthy place to live, and provide the resources and funds needed according to your will. Move on the heart of her landlord to act justly, and move on her neighbors to see their need for you and to turn from what is harmful. Lead them to know Jesus. Give her a calm and stable home where she can rest, pray, and grow without constant exposure to what harms her. Sustain her with daily strength and with the fellowship of your people, and let this present trial draw her closer to you. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please continue to seek the Lord daily in Scripture and prayer, stay connected to a local church where pastors can know you and walk with you, and let us know how you are doing so we can continue to pray. The Lord is near to those who call on Him in truth, and He will not forsake those who trust in Him.
