We come before the throne of grace with you, lifting up your heartfelt cries to our Heavenly Father, who knows your struggles and loves you deeply. You have poured out your pain, fears, and weaknesses before Him, and we thank you for your honesty. It is only through the name of Jesus Christ that we can boldly approach God, for Scripture tells us, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Your prayer acknowledges Him, and that is where true hope begins.
First, we want to affirm that God sees your suffering—both the physical pain from your spine and the emotional weight of anxiety, stress, and the burdens of work and family. The psalmist reminds us, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). You are not forgotten. The pain in your back and legs is real, and we pray earnestly for healing. *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds"* (Psalm 147:3, WEB). We ask the Lord to restore your body, to bring relief, and to give the doctors wisdom as you recover. May His healing power flow through you, renewing your strength day by day.
Your financial and work-related stresses are heavy, and we understand the fear of losing stability. But Jesus tells us, *"Don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ ... your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:31-33, WEB). We pray that the Lord will guide you through the SDI paperwork today, that He will soften the hearts of your employer and the State to process your leave of absence payments swiftly and fairly. We also ask for wisdom and clarity as you manage your work, especially with the challenges of technology. *"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him"* (James 1:5, WEB). Do not be ashamed of what you do not know—God can teach you, and there is no shame in asking for help or training.
Now, we must address the struggles you’ve shared about alcohol and marijuana. These are not harmless escapes; they are chains that distort your mind, dull your spirit, and hinder your ability to fulfill your God-given roles. Scripture warns, *"Don’t be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit"* (Ephesians 5:18, WEB). The temporary confidence they give is a lie from the enemy, designed to keep you from the true peace and strength found in Christ. *"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"* (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB). You *can* overcome this, not by your own strength, but by His power working in you. We pray that the Lord will break these strongholds in your life, that He will give you the courage to turn away from these substances, and fill you with His Spirit instead. Consider reaching out to a biblical counselor or a trusted brother in Christ to walk alongside you in accountability. *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective"* (James 5:16, WEB).
Your marriage is a sacred covenant, and we rejoice that you desire to honor it. The enemy seeks to divide, but God desires to restore. *"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you"* (Ephesians 4:32, WEB). We pray that the Lord will renew the love and partnership between you and your wife, that He will help you both to extend grace, to communicate with kindness, and to serve one another as Christ served the church. Your wife’s journey of forgiving her brothers is a testament to the Lord’s work in her heart—pray together, seek healing together, and let God bind your hearts in unity. *"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken"* (Ecclesiastes 4:12, WEB).
As for your family’s financial burdens, we encourage you to sit down with your wife and son, as you mentioned, and seek the Lord’s wisdom together. *"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established"* (Proverbs 15:22, WEB). It may be time to evaluate whether your current home and expenses align with the season God has you in. There is no shame in downsizing or simplifying if it brings peace and allows you to steward your resources wisely. *"Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with the things you have, for he has said, ‘I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you’"* (Hebrews 13:5, WEB). Trust that God will provide, even if it looks different than what you envisioned.
Finally, we want to remind you of who you are in Christ. You are not a "Jack of All Trades, Master of None"—you are a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. *"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them"* (Ephesians 2:10, WEB). Your worth is not in your job performance, your home, or your ability to provide perfectly. It is in Christ alone. When you feel overwhelmed, remember: *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). He is holding your hand, even when it shakes. He is your refuge, your strength, and your ever-present help in trouble.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, knowing that You see his pain, his fears, and his struggles. Lord, we ask for Your healing touch on his body—relieve the pain in his back and legs, restore his strength, and grant him rest. We pray for wisdom and favor as he navigates his work and financial responsibilities. Soften the hearts of his employers, coworkers, and those handling his paperwork, that they may act with fairness and compassion. Father, we rebuked the spirit of anxiety and fear that has gripped him. Replace it with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, 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"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB).
Lord, we ask for deliverance from the bondage of alcohol and marijuana. Break the chains, Father, and fill him with Your Spirit. Give him the strength to walk away and the courage to seek help. Surround him with godly men who will stand with him in this battle. We pray for his marriage—restore the love, joy, and partnership he and his wife once shared. Help them to forgive, to communicate, and to serve one another in love. Bless their family, Lord. Provide for their needs, and give them wisdom as they steward their resources. If it is Your will, open doors for simpler living, that they may find peace and freedom from financial stress.
Father, remind our brother of his identity in You. Strip away the lies that he is not enough, that he is failing, or that he must carry these burdens alone. You are his Provider, his Healer, his Redeemer. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"* (Matthew 11:28-30, WEB). We ask that You show him the next step, Lord. Give him clarity, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in God’s Word daily, even if it’s just a few verses. Let His truth renew your mind and strengthen your heart. Consider memorizing Scripture to combat anxiety, such as *"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). You are not alone in this—we are standing with you in prayer, and more importantly, Jesus is walking beside you. Keep seeking Him, and He will lead you through. *"The Lord himself will go before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged"* (Deuteronomy 31:8, WEB). Stay strong in the faith, brother. God is not done with you yet.