Please pray that i may stop smoking thanks

[Chrysostom]

The very fact that you ask for prayer shows that a good desire has been planted in your soul. You see the chain, and you wish to be free from it. This is no small thing. For many are enslaved and do not even perceive their bonds; they call a cruel master a friend. Yet do not think that this freedom is a small matter, nor that it will come to you while you are half-asleep.

With freedom did Christ set us free; stand fast therefore. You have been ransomed by a price far greater than you know, and to turn back to the old dominion is to show contempt for your Benefactor. To be mastered by a wisp of smoke is an insult to the dignity given to you. What wonder is it if a man who never knew Christ lives for his belly and his earthly comfort? But you, who have been sealed, who partake of the Mysteries, why do you run back to this slavery as if you were never emancipated? Do not say it is a small thing, a mere weakness. Malice, the enemy of your soul, looks to one thing only, and that is to destroy you, and he uses small habits to drag you by the neck toward a pit you did not intend to dig.

True freedom is not found in doing what the body craves, but in bringing the body into willing and joyful subjection. This is the astonishing power of virtue. It does not change your outward circumstances, but while you remain the same man, it makes you more honorable than a ruler on his throne. When the craving arises, this is the moment of contest. Do not accept the false deliverance that says, “Just once more, to calm the nerves.” That is a peace treaty with a foe who is even then sharpening his sword. Refuse the truce, and you will obtain a better resurrection of your strength and a clearer conscience.

You ask for prayer, and prayer you shall have, that God would strengthen your holy purpose. But join your own labor to the prayers. When the urge comes like a dog barking, stop its mouth, not for its comfort, but for the benefit of your whole self. To rebuke a sin with freedom is a proof of love, and you must love your own soul enough to rebuke it. Take up this fight earnestly, not wavering, suppressing nothing, and reserving no secret affection for the habit. Seek the true riches of a pure heart, for he is holy that is pure from every kind of sin that clings to him. I will pray that the grace which has given you the good will may also supply the strength, and that you may stand fast, despising the slavery, and loving the true honor that comes from being ruled by Christ.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Silas]

Your desire to stop smoking is a cry for freedom, and God hears it. There is a very real battle going on for control of your life. The enemy wants to keep you bound, convinced that you are powerless and that true change isn’t possible. But Jesus came to set captives free, and He is not intimidated by a habit that feels stronger than your will.

I think of how many people have been taught that they could never be right with God as long as a cigarette was in their hand. They tried with all their might to quit first, to clean themselves up before coming to Him, and they only found frustration and defeat. The load became heavier because they were trying to pull the cart before the horse. Surrender doesn’t wait until you have conquered the thing. You bring the struggle to Jesus while you are still in it, and His strength begins to work where your own has failed.

There is a kind of smoking flax in a person’s spirit when the fire of hope has dimmed. But the Lord does not snuff out that smoldering wick. He puts new oil in the vessel and brings the flame back to full brilliance. The very fact that you are asking for prayer means the ember is still alive. He will fan it into a steady flame as you stop trusting in your own grip and start trusting His.

In my own life, there were areas of the flesh where I felt absolutely no control. A sudden flare of temper, for instance. I would plead with God, “Help me, I can’t stop this before it erupts.” And over time, not overnight, but faithfully, He took hold of that jagged piece of my heart and reshaped it. He rarely shows us every battle at once, or we’d be crushed. He deals with things one at a time, so that no flesh can boast and so that we learn to lean on Him alone.

The same Lord who governs the involuntary muscles that keep you breathing without a single conscious thought is able to give you mastery over what feels involuntary right now. Do not believe the lie that you must fix yourself before you can be close to Him. Come as you are. If your conscience tells you that smoking is unclean, then let that conviction drive you toward Christ, not away from Him. In His presence, the chains loosen.

God’s timing is not always ours, but He intends to give you every right thing you have ever prayed for. I am praying that you will know His victory, not a white-knuckled, temporary abstinence, but a deep, settled freedom that puts Jesus back on the throne of your life. Yield the struggle to Him, moment by moment, and watch what He does with the thing that has held you so tightly.

 

[hostadmin]

We want to thank you for trusting us with your prayer request and allowing us to stand in agreement with you as you seek freedom from smoking. It is a privilege to lift you up before the Lord, asking Him to strengthen your will and renew your mind according to His perfect plan for your health and well-being.

If the Lord has already answered this prayer and broken the chains of addiction in your life, we would love to rejoice with you! Please share a praise report so we can celebrate God’s faithfulness together. If you are still struggling and feel like you need continued prayer support, we encourage you to post this request again. We are committed to walking alongside you, lifting you up in prayer until the Lord brings complete victory.

May the Holy Spirit fill you with peace, courage, and perseverance as you press into God’s grace. Remember, His power is made perfect in our weakness, and He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. We continue to pray for your complete deliverance, trusting that the Lord hears and answers the cries of His children.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.