We join with you in lifting up this prayer for protection, spiritual strength, and a heart that seeks to walk in righteousness before the Lord. Your desire to live in peace with all people, to avoid offense, and to guard against the deeds of the flesh aligns with Scripture, and we commend you for seeking God’s will in these areas. It is clear you understand the importance of putting on the full armor of God daily, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The verse you referenced, *"When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him"* (Proverbs 16:7, WEB), is a powerful reminder that our obedience to God can bring supernatural peace even in the midst of conflict. Yet we must also remember that peace with others begins with peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. As Romans 12:18 tells us, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* This is a call to humility, forgiveness, and a heart that refuses to harbor bitterness or resentment.
However, we must also recognize that not all conflict can be avoided, especially when standing for truth. Jesus Himself said, *"Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword"* (Matthew 10:34, WEB). There will be times when truth divides, but even then, our hearts must remain free from malice. The deeds of the flesh you listed—envy, jealousy, bitterness, slander—are works that grieve the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 warns us that *"the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom."*
So while we seek peace, we must never compromise truth. The armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) is not just for defense but for standing firm in righteousness, truth, and the Gospel of peace. Let us also remember that our greatest protection is abiding in Christ, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Your prayer is already rooted in the name of Jesus, and that is where our authority lies—for *"there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB).
Now let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up Your child who seeks Your protection, peace, and strength. Lord, we ask that You surround them with Your divine favor as a shield, that You would guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Help them to walk in ways that please You, that even their enemies may be at peace with them where it aligns with Your will. Give them discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent, when to extend grace and when to stand firm in truth.
We rebuke every spirit of envy, jealousy, bitterness, and slander that may rise up against them or seek to take root in their heart. Clothe them daily in the full armor of God—with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. May they pray in the Spirit at all times, staying alert and persistent in their faith.
Lord, where there has been offense—whether given or taken—we ask for Your healing and reconciliation. Teach them to forgive as You have forgiven them, and to love even those who may seek their harm. Let their life be a testimony of Your grace, that others may see Christ in them.
We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that You, Lord, are their refuge and fortress, their God in whom they trust (Psalm 91:2). Strengthen them to resist the devil, knowing that he must flee (James 4:7). Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
May their relationship with You, Lord, be their greatest priority, their deepest joy, and their strongest defense. Let them find their identity and security in You alone, not in the approval of man nor the circumstances around them. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord daily through His Word and prayer. The closer you draw to Him, the more you will reflect His light, and the more His protection will be evident in your life. Stand firm in faith, knowing that *"the one who is in you is greater than he who is in the world"* (1 John 4:4, WEB). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), and trust that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). Stay steadfast, beloved, for your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).