We lift up this earnest request before the Lord, recognizing the deep spiritual and physical struggles being faced. The heart of this matter is not merely about diet but about where one’s trust and salvation truly lie. The Word of God is clear: there is no food, no diet, no earthly practice that can save us—salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. As Scripture declares, *"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). To place hope in anything else—even something as seemingly harmless as a diet—is to create an idol, and idolatry is a grave sin before God. *"Little children, keep yourselves from idols"* (1 John 5:21, WEB).
The relapse of mental illness tied to this restrictive diet also reveals how misplaced trust can bring harm rather than healing. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, WEB), and while we are called to steward them wisely, we must never let our choices become a source of bondage or false worship. God created all foods to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth (1 Timothy 4:3-5, WEB). To reject what God has made clean—whether meat or vegetables—out of legalism or superstition is to stray from His design. The apostle Paul warns us not to be *"taken captive through hollow and deceitful philosophy, which is according to the traditions of men"* (Colossians 2:8, WEB). If this vegan diet has become a spiritual stronghold, it must be broken in the name of Jesus.
We also pray for wisdom and discernment, as mental illness is a complex battle that often requires medical care, godly counsel, and the support of believers. It is not something to be treated lightly or through dietary restrictions alone. *"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up"* (James 5:14-15, WEB). We ask the Lord to surround this individual with people who will point them to Christ, not to man-made rules or rituals.
Father in heaven, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this brother who has placed his trust in a diet rather than in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we rebuke the spirit of idolatry that has taken hold, and we declare that salvation is found in no one and nothing else but Jesus. Break the chains of legalism and false belief that have bound him. Restore his mind, body, and spirit, and lead him to a place where he can no longer rely on his own efforts but must turn to You alone. Guide him to a community where Your truth is preached, where he can be discipled in the ways of Your Word, and where he can find freedom from the bondage of his restrictive diet.
We pray for his mental health, Lord. Heal the wounds that have driven him to seek control through food, and replace his anxiety with Your perfect peace. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). Surround him with believers who will walk alongside him, offering both spiritual and practical support.
Lord, if it is Your will, lead him to a place where his diet can no longer be his god, where he must confront the emptiness of his trust in veganism. But more than that, lead him to the foot of the cross, where he can surrender all to You. Remind him that *"man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth"* (Matthew 4:4, WEB). Let him hunger and thirst for righteousness, not for the approval of man or the false security of a diet.
We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. May Your will be done, and may this brother come to know the true freedom that is found in You alone. Amen.
