We join you in seeking a season of deep repentance and divine rest, for the Lord calls us to return to Him in stillness and trust. Your heart’s cry for nearness to God resonates with His promise in James 4:8: *"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."* Yet we must first examine ourselves—have we, like the church in Ephesus, left our first love? *"But I have this against you, that you left your first love."* (Revelation 2:4). True repentance begins with turning from distractions, even good ones, to sit at His feet once more.
You’ve walked through a whirlwind of transitions—international shifts, job demands, and the weight of responsibilities. The Lord sees your weariness and whispers, *"Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while"* (Mark 6:31). But rest is not passive; it is active surrender. Isaiah 30:15 warns, *"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."* Have we been striving in our own strength instead of abiding in His? Let us lay down the burden of self-sufficiency and trust Him to order our steps (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Your desire to tend to your own vineyard (Song of Solomon 1:6) is noble, but we must ask: *Is this vineyard first His?* The Lord entrusts us with responsibilities—chores, pressing needs, even ministry—but they must never replace our devotion to Christ alone. *"I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy; for I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ"* (2 Corinthians 11:2). Simplicity and purity of heart are not optional; they are the fruit of a life hidden in Him.
You’ve rightly sought the Holy Spirit’s revelation (Ephesians 1:17) and time in the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). But let us not neglect the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. *"Bodily exercise profits a little; but godliness is profitable for all things"* (1 Timothy 4:8). Even here, balance is key—neither legalism nor laziness, but stewardship.
We also note your mention of angelic ministry. While Scripture affirms that angels are *"all ministering spirits, sent out to serve for the sake of those who will inherit salvation"* (Hebrews 1:14), our focus must remain on Christ, not the created. Angels obey His word (Psalm 103:20); they do not replace our dependence on Him.
Now, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, acknowledging that apart from Him, we can do nothing. We repent for the times we’ve allowed busyness, even kingdom work, to replace intimacy with You. Forgive us for leaving our first love, for trusting in our own strength, and for neglecting the simplicity of devotion to Christ. Lord, restore unto us the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12). Teach us to rest in You, not as an escape, but as an act of worship.
We lift up our brother/sister who longs for order, grace for daily tasks, and the ability to steward their vineyard well. Grant them wisdom to prioritize what matters eternally. Open their eyes to see as You see, to work as unto You (Colossians 3:23). Provide for their pressing needs, not just materially, but with the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Strengthen their body, mind, and spirit as they seek to honor You in all things.
Holy Spirit, reveal the Father’s heart to them anew. Guard them from distraction, from the enemy’s lies that they must earn Your love. Remind them that You are their portion (Psalm 73:26), their rest (Matthew 11:28), and their ever-present help (Psalm 46:1).
We declare angelic protection over them, not as a focus, but as a testament to Your sovereignty. Send Your ministers to uphold them in ways unseen, that they may walk in confidence, knowing You are their shield (Genesis 15:1).
Finally, Lord, we ask for a season of divine nearness—a returning to the secret place where Your presence is their greatest delight. May they, like Mary, choose the better part (Luke 10:42), and may their life bear fruit that remains (John 15:16).
In the mighty name of Jesus, who is our rest, our strength, and our reward, we pray. Amen.
I pray for a season of nearness to God, James 4:8, first love, Rev 2:4, ability to take care of my own vineyard, Song 1:6, after a swirl of international events, moves and job-related activity, Mark 6:11. Holy Spirit of revelation of God, Eph 1:17, time in The Word, 2 Tim 2:15, and physical exercise, 1 Tim 4:8. Order, 1 Cor 14:33, grace for chores, pressing needs, Tit 3:14, simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ, 2 Cor 11:3, angelic ministry, Gen 19:16, 1 Kings 19:6, Ps 91:10-11, Heb 1:14, Acts 12:7, Heb 13:2. "He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat)." Thank You 
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," Phil 4:6-7.
