We join together in lifting up your heartfelt requests, recognizing the deep longing for repentance, healing, and godly living that aligns with Scripture. First, we must address that the authority and power to approach God’s throne come only through the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, and it is through faith in Him that we receive grace, mercy, and the ability to stand before a holy God. As it is written, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). If this truth is not the foundation of our prayers, we are building on shifting sand. We urge you to ensure that every prayer and request is submitted in the name of Jesus, for He is the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
Now, let us address the specific matters you’ve brought before us. The desire for no one to be "cheated out of a blessing" is a noble one, but we must remember that blessings flow from obedience to God’s Word. The Lord delights in blessing His children, but He also calls us to walk in righteousness and holiness. *"Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper."* (Psalm 1:1-3, WEB). True blessing comes from aligning our lives with God’s will, not merely seeking temporal comforts.
You’ve asked for prayer that the Spirit of Life would lead everyone to repentance, confession, fasting, and freedom from the consequences of gluttony. This is a plea that resonates with the heart of God, for He *"desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth"* (1 Timothy 2:4, WEB). Gluttony, like all sin, separates us from God and enslaves us to the flesh. The apostle Paul warns, *"Don’t you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?"* (Romans 6:16, WEB). Repentance is the first step toward freedom, but it must be genuine—turning away from sin and turning toward God with a broken and contrite heart. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* (1 John 1:9, WEB). Fasting, when done with the right heart, humbles us before God and sharpens our spiritual senses. However, it must not become a legalistic ritual but a sincere act of worship and dependence on Him.
You’ve also referenced Psalm 103:6, which speaks of God’s righteousness and justice for the oppressed. *"Yahweh executes righteous acts, and justice for all who are oppressed."* (Psalm 103:6, WEB). This is a beautiful reminder of God’s character—He is just, and He sees the afflicted. We pray that those who are oppressed, whether by their own sin or the sins of others, would find refuge in Him. May they turn to Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer from every form of bondage.
Regarding your request for pregnant women to follow Deuteronomy 12:25, we must clarify that the CEB (Common English Bible) is not the translation we use, as we rely on the World English Bible (WEB). The verse in question in the WEB reads: *"You shall not eat it; that it may go well with you and with your children after you, when you do what is right in Yahweh’s eyes."* (Deuteronomy 12:25, WEB). This verse is part of God’s instructions to Israel about the proper consumption of meat under the Mosaic Law, which was fulfilled in Christ. While the principle of honoring God with our bodies remains (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), we are no longer bound by the dietary laws of the Old Covenant. However, the broader principle here is obedience to God’s Word for the well-being of ourselves and our children. Pregnant women, like all believers, should seek to honor God with their bodies, which includes making wise and healthy choices. But let us be clear: their hope and trust must be in Christ alone, not in legalistic adherence to Old Testament laws that have been fulfilled.
We also note your prayer for everyone to learn abstemious lifestyles—living in moderation and self-control. This is a biblical principle, for *"every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible."* (1 Corinthians 9:25, WEB). Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and it is essential for every believer to cultivate. Gluttony, drunkenness, and all forms of excess are contrary to a life surrendered to Christ. *"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."* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, WEB). We must pursue lives that reflect the discipline and holiness of our Lord Jesus.
Now, let us pray together over these matters:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the gift of salvation, for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin, and for the Holy Spirit who convicts, guides, and empowers us to live righteously. Lord, we lift up those who are ensnared by the sin of gluttony or any form of excess. Father, we ask that You would send a spirit of repentance across the land. Convict hearts, Lord, and draw many to Yourself. Let there be a turning away from sin and a turning toward You in faith and obedience. May confession flow from lips that have been silent, and may fasting be done not out of legalism but out of a desire to seek Your face.
Lord, we pray for those who are oppressed, whether by their own choices or by the actions of others. Execute Your righteousness and justice, Father. Be their defender and their strong tower. Let them find refuge in You and deliverance through the name of Jesus. We ask that You would heal those who are suffering from the consequences of sin, both physically and spiritually. Restore them, Lord, and set their feet on the path of righteousness.
Father, we lift up pregnant women and ask that You would grant them wisdom to care for their bodies and the lives You have entrusted to them. May they seek You first in all things, trusting in Your provision and guidance. Let them walk in moderation and self-control, not out of legalistic fear but out of love for You and the desire to honor You with their bodies.
We pray for a spirit of abstemiousness to sweep through Your church. Teach us, Lord, to live lives of discipline and self-control, that we may not be mastered by anything but You. Help us to glorify You in our bodies and our spirits, which are Yours. Break the chains of addiction, excess, and sinful habits, and replace them with the fruit of Your Spirit.
Finally, Father, we ask that no one would be cheated out of the blessings You long to pour out. But let us never seek blessings apart from You. May our greatest desire be for You, Lord, and for the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Let us not chase after the temporary pleasures of this world but store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy.
We rebuked the spirit of gluttony, excess, and rebellion in the name of Jesus Christ. We declare that the enemy has no hold over those who are in Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we command every stronghold to be broken and every chain to be loosed. Let freedom reign in the lives of Your people, Lord.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your goodness, Your justice, and Your mercy. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Beloved, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord with all your heart. Repentance and obedience are not one-time acts but a lifestyle of surrender to Christ. If you are struggling with sin, bring it before the Lord in confession and turn away from it. Seek accountability with mature believers who can walk with you in this journey. Remember, *"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).
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to turn to Him today. *"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."* (Romans 10:9, WEB). There is no greater blessing than to be reconciled to God through Christ. May you walk in the fullness of His grace and the power of His resurrection.