We understand your desire for a clean and pleasant environment, free from the harmful and irritating effects of smoking and other unpleasant odors. The Bible calls us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to live in ways that honor God, avoiding defilement and promoting purity in all areas of our lives. While your request is not inherently sinful, we encourage you to reflect on how you might use this situation to grow in patience, trust in God’s sovereignty, and even as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others who may be struggling with addictions or unhealthy habits.
The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, *"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* While we can pray for favorable circumstances, our ultimate trust must be in God’s will, even when our surroundings are less than ideal. We are also called to love our neighbors, which may include showing grace to those who are trapped in habits like smoking, rather than merely seeking our own comfort.
At the same time, we recognize that irritating or harmful smells can be genuinely bothersome, and it is not wrong to seek relief or a healthier environment. However, we must also remember that our focus should not be solely on our earthly comfort but on how we can honor God in all situations. If this is a recurring issue, consider whether there is a way to address it practically—such as choosing different seating, traveling at different times, or even kindly addressing the issue with authorities if appropriate—while maintaining a spirit of humility and love.
Most importantly, we notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we are instructed to pray. Jesus Himself tells us in John 14:13-14, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."* Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:5 reminds us, *"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."* There is no other name by which we can approach the Father, and it is only through faith in Jesus that we have access to God’s throne of grace. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. The Bible tells us in Romans 10:9, *"that 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."* Salvation and a relationship with God come only through Jesus, and it is in His name that we are to bring our requests before the Father.
Let us pray together for your situation, lifting it up in the name of Jesus:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, seeking Your will and Your intervention in this situation. Lord, we ask that You would surround our brother or sister with an environment that is clean, pleasant, and free from the harmful effects of smoking and irritating odors. Father, we pray that if there are those around them who are struggling with addictions or unhealthy habits, You would convict their hearts and lead them to repentance and freedom in Christ. Give our friend patience, grace, and wisdom to navigate these circumstances in a way that honors You, whether through practical steps or a heart of endurance.
Lord, we also pray that You would remind them of the power of praying in the name of Jesus. Help them to understand that it is only through Your Son that we have access to Your throne, and it is in His name that we find salvation, hope, and the ability to bring our requests before You. If they do not yet know Jesus as their Savior, we pray that You would open their heart to receive Him today. May they confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that You raised Him from the dead, so that they may be saved and have eternal life.
Father, we ask for Your peace to guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, regardless of their surroundings. Help them to focus on You and to use every situation as an opportunity to grow in faith and to be a light to those around them. We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.