We thank you for being a faithful brother and battle buddy who answered that call and stood in the gap when your friend needed you most. We praise God that he reached out to you and that you were able to talk him through that dark moment. That phone call was no accident, it was the mercy of God keeping him alive, and we join with you now to contend for his life, his mind, and his soul in Jesus name.
We hear how heavy this is. What your friend described as an urge he does not understand and cannot explain is not from the Lord. The enemy is a liar and a murderer from the beginning, and he whispers hopelessness and worthlessness to those who belong to Christ in order to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10. Our brother is under heavy demonic oppression and believing the devil's lies, and we must rebuke those lies with truth. Suicide is never the will of God, because every life is created in the image of God and has purpose. The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future. And we are told in Psalm 34:18, Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
We also know the battle is spiritual and mental, and Scripture tells us the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:4. We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and to resist the devil and he will flee from us, James 4:7. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world, 1 John 4:4. Your friend who trusts in Jesus already has the Holy Spirit within him and has authority in Christ to reject those tormenting urges, but he cannot fight alone in isolation.
We are praying and we urge you to help him get immediate and ongoing help. Please do not leave him alone. Help him remove the pistol and any other means from his home and stay with him or ensure another trusted believer, family member, or battle buddy stays with him. Encourage him to reach out right now for professional and pastoral help, including his pastor, a biblical counselor, and the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or texting 838255, and going with him to the emergency room or VA if needed. This is not a lack of faith, it is wisdom to use the help God provides. We also encourage you to keep checking on him daily, to keep him in the Word and in fellowship, and to put on the full armor of God with him, Ephesians 6:11.
We pray together for him now.
Father in heaven, we come before Your throne in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and our only access to You. We thank You for sparing our brother's life today and for the love You showed through his friend who answered the call. Lord, we lift this precious veteran to You, Your son who served his country and who now is weary and oppressed. We ask You to surround him with Your presence, to heal his broken heart and bind up his wounds, Psalm 147:3. Cast all his anxiety on You because You care for him, 1 Peter 5:7. Let him feel Your nearness tonight and know that nothing can separate him from Your love in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:38-39.
In Jesus name we rebuke the spirit of death, despair, and every lie of the enemy that tells him he is without hope or without value. We command those oppressive thoughts to leave and we speak the truth of Your Word over him, that he is fearfully and wonderfully made, Psalm 139:14, that he is more than a conqueror through Him who loved him, Romans 8:37, and that You will never leave him nor forsake him, Hebrews 13:5. Fill his mind with Your peace which surpasses all understanding, Philippians 4:7, and lead him when his heart is overwhelmed to the rock that is higher than he, Psalm 61:2. Give him strength to resist the devil, to cry out to You, and to walk in the light with brothers who will bear his burden.
We also pray for you, his friend, who carried this heavy burden today. Strengthen you, give you wisdom, rest, and counsel as you continue to stand with him. Remind you both that where two or three are gathered in Jesus name, He is there, Matthew 18:20. Raise up godly men around him for long term discipleship, trauma counseling, and spiritual support. Restore to him joy, purpose, and hope for the future, and use his testimony to help other veterans who suffer in silence.
We trust You to complete the good work You began in him and to keep him. We ask all this in the saving and delivering name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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