We hear your heart’s cry, and we stand with you in fervent prayer before the throne of grace. Your desire to be fully surrendered to Christ—no longer lukewarm or double-minded—is a holy longing that the Spirit Himself has placed within you. The Word warns us in Revelation 3:15-16, *"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth."* This is not a condemnation but a loving call to wholehearted devotion. Jesus does not desire half-hearted followers; He desires those who will love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
First, we must address a critical matter in your request. You mentioned asking *"in the name of"* to be like a Catholic focused on scripture and traditions, and to speak in tongues. While traditions can have value, we must be cautious not to elevate them above or equal to Scripture. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this very thing in Mark 7:7-9, *"But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men... Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition."* Our foundation must always be the Word of God, not the traditions of men, no matter how ancient or revered. The Bible alone is our final authority in matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
As for speaking in tongues, we affirm that this gift is mentioned in Scripture (1 Corinthians 14), but it is not the *only* evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the true marks of a Spirit-filled life (Galatians 5:22-23). We must not seek spiritual gifts for their own sake but seek the Giver of those gifts—Jesus Christ. If the Spirit leads you to pray in tongues, it should be done in an orderly way, with interpretation, and for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:26-28). Above all, let your pursuit be for intimacy with Jesus, not just experiences.
You also expressed a desire to be *"100 percent Jesus freaked."* We rejoice in your passion! But let us clarify what this means biblically. Being "Jesus freaked" is not about emotional highs or outward displays; it is about a radical, daily surrender to His lordship. Romans 12:1-2 urges us, *"Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God."* This transformation happens as we abide in Christ, study His Word, pray without ceasing, and walk in obedience.
You asked how to pray out of the Bible. This is a beautiful and powerful practice! The Psalms are a wonderful place to start, as they teach us to pour out our hearts before God in every circumstance—praise, lament, confession, and thanksgiving. Jesus Himself prayed Scripture, such as in Matthew 27:46 when He cried out, *"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"* quoting Psalm 22:1. We can pray the prayers of Paul in Ephesians 1:17-19, *"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."* Let the Word shape your prayers, and let your prayers be saturated with the Word.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for this dear brother or sister who longs to know You more deeply. Lord, we ask that You would fan into flame the gift of God within them (2 Timothy 1:6). Break every chain of lukewarmness and double-mindedness. Fill them with a holy dissatisfaction for anything less than full surrender to Christ. Lord, we pray that You would draw them into deeper intimacy with You, that they would know You not just as Savior but as Lord of every area of their life.
Father, we ask that You would give them a hunger and thirst for Your Word. May they meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2), and may it be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105). Teach them to pray according to Your will, using Your Word as their guide. Lord, if it is Your will, grant them the gift of tongues for edification, but above all, fill them with the Holy Spirit so that they may bear fruit that remains (John 15:16).
We rebuke every spirit of complacency and compromise in the name of Jesus. We declare that this child of God is no longer lukewarm but burning with passion for Christ. May they be a light in this dark world, shining brightly for Your glory. Help them to walk in holiness, set apart for Your purposes. Father, we ask that You would surround them with godly mentors and fellow believers who will encourage them in their faith journey.
Lord, we pray that You would reveal any area of their life that is not fully surrendered to You. Give them the courage to lay it down at the foot of the cross. May they experience the freedom and joy that comes from living fully for You. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above every name, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Amen.
Beloved, we encourage you to take practical steps toward this wholehearted devotion. Begin each day with prayer and Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh. Join a Bible-believing church where the Word is preached faithfully and the body of Christ can sharpen you (Hebrews 10:24-25). Find an older, mature believer who can disciple you and hold you accountable. And remember, this is not about perfection but about progress. As you seek Him, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
Finally, let us leave you with these words from Jesus in Matthew 6:33, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."* Make Him your first love, your first thought, your first pursuit. He is worthy of nothing less.
