Please pray that I will do well in the class I'm currently taking in school and pass it. It is my final class that I am taking in the process of getting my degree. I am retaking it as I failed it before. I am taking it with the same professor I failed the class with before. I would prefer to be taking it with another professor but I didn't have that choice. It is a class that involves a lot of writing and I am a bit scared about making the deadlines adequately. Please pray that I will. Please also pray for me as I have been posting about a difficult time I've been having with the pastor of the church my mother and I recently joined (he does not like me and it is obvious although he doesn't seem to have a problem with my mother at all). Because of his behavior toward me, I am now praying God will lead my mother and I to another church as I don't think it is emotionally, mentally or spiritually safe for me to stay attending somewhere like this. I am trying to continue attending this church like normal until God hopefully leads us somewhere as I think I should be attending church especially considering the spiritual warfare I have been dealing with in my life for years but at the same time, maybe I should just stop attending altogether. If my mental health gets too affected, I will probably end up taking a large break from attending either way. I am hoping God will lead us to another church in a way that is peaceful and doesn't cause any drama with this church we are currently at although I don't know that they will take us leaving well either way. I haven't spoken to my mom about any of this. It was so hard to even get her to attend the church and join it with me in the first place. I don't want to tell her about the issues with the pastor and cause her any distress. I don't know if she has noticed his negative behavior toward me. We have been attending this church for a year and finally joined recently but I believe joining was a mistake - I had a lot of reservations about joining but didn't know how to back out as the process went on. I think the overall experience I've had with this man and some other negative experiences I have had at this church (these other negative experiences may have been a result of spiritual warfare and demonic attacks that I have been experiencing for the past few years) are getting to me and causing trauma. I already had a deep history of spiritual abuse and trauma in false church environments previous to this. I can tell that I am starting to push away from many aspects of Christian faith because they now feel weaponized against me due to the actions of this pastor and the negative experiences I mentioned. I also am starting to feel very overwhelmed emotionally and feel battered from nearly everyone in my life except my pets. I think these experiences at this church are partially causing me to feel so overwhelmed.
School
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We lift you up in prayer, dear sibling in Christ, and we are deeply grieved to hear of the burdens you are carrying—both in your academic pursuits and in the spiritual battles you are facing within the church. Let us first address your request for success in your final class, for we know that all wisdom and understanding come from the Lord, and He is the one who equips us for every good work.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* And in James 1:5, we are told, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* You are not retaking this class in your own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, who will guide your mind, steady your hands, and help you meet each deadline with confidence. Do not fear the professor or the challenges ahead, for the Lord is with you. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* We pray that God will grant you clarity of thought, discipline in your studies, and favor in the eyes of your professor, not for your own glory, but so that you may complete this degree as a testament to God’s faithfulness in your life.
Now, concerning the deep spiritual and emotional distress you are experiencing with this pastor and church, we must speak with both compassion and urgency. It is heartbreaking to hear how this situation has reopened wounds from past spiritual abuse and is causing you to feel alienated from the body of Christ. The behavior you have described—where a pastor shows partiality, creates an environment of favoritism, or allows his personal feelings to dictate his treatment of members—is not in alignment with the biblical call for shepherds. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, pastors are commanded to *"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock."* If a leader is causing harm rather than healing, it is not only permissible but necessary to seek a healthier spiritual environment.
We understand your hesitation in speaking to your mother about this, as you do not want to cause her distress. However, we gently encourage you to pray for the right time and words to share your heart with her. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, *"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance."* While it may be difficult, honesty—rooted in love and wisdom—can bring about necessary change. You are not responsible for how she responds, but you owe it to yourself and to her to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). If she is unaware of the pastor’s behavior, she may not fully understand why you are struggling. Pray that the Lord would prepare her heart to receive what you share and that He would guide both of you to a church where you can grow in faith without fear or favoritism.
We also urge you to consider that while it is noble to endure for the sake of attending church, it is not wise to remain in a place where your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are at risk. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 10:14, *"Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet."* If a church is not a place of refuge, truth, and love, it may be time to leave—peacefully and without drama, but firmly. Do not let the fear of man or the desire to avoid conflict keep you in a place where your soul is being wounded. The Lord sees your pain, and He will lead you to a body of believers where you can heal and thrive.
We are deeply concerned by your admission that these experiences are causing you to push away from aspects of the Christian faith. This is a tactic of the enemy—to use the failures of flawed people to distort your view of God Himself. But listen closely: the actions of this pastor do not represent the heart of Jesus. The spiritual abuse you have endured does not define the character of our Heavenly Father. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), who lays down His life for His sheep. He does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11), nor does He weaponize faith against His children. If you are feeling battered and overwhelmed, it is not because God has abandoned you—it is because the enemy is seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But Jesus came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.
We rebuked the spirits of discouragement, fear, and trauma that are attempting to take root in your heart. In the name of Jesus, we declare that you are not defined by the failures of man, but by the redemption and love of Christ. We pray that the Lord would restore your joy in Him, renew your mind (Romans 12:2), and surround you with believers who will uplift and encourage you. If you are feeling isolated, we urge you to seek out trusted, mature Christians—even if they are outside this church—who can speak truth and life into your situation. You are not alone in this fight.
Finally, we must address the spiritual warfare you mentioned. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* If you have been under demonic attack, it is crucial to stand firm in the authority of Jesus Christ. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and resist the devil, knowing that he will flee from you (James 4:7). We pray that the Lord would expose every scheme of the enemy in your life and break every chain of fear, trauma, and spiritual oppression. May the blood of Jesus cover you, and may His peace—which surpasses all understanding—guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sibling in Christ, lifting up their burdens to Your throne of grace. Lord, we ask that You would grant them supernatural wisdom, discipline, and favor as they retake this final class. Remove every spirit of fear and anxiety, and replace it with Your peace. Give them clarity of mind, strength to meet each deadline, and the ability to recall all that they have studied when the time comes. We pray that You would soften the heart of their professor and that Your favor would rest upon our sibling, not for their own glory, but so that Your name may be magnified through their success.
Lord, we also bring before You the deep pain and confusion they are experiencing within their church. Father, You see the injustice, the favoritism, and the harm that has been done. We ask that You would expose every unrighteous deed and bring conviction where it is needed. Surround our sibling with Your protection, and lead them—and their mother—to a church where they can be nourished in truth, loved unconditionally, and grow in faith without fear. Give them the courage to speak to their mother in love and wisdom, and prepare her heart to receive what You are revealing.
We rebuked every spirit of trauma, discouragement, and spiritual oppression that has sought to take hold of our sibling’s life. By the power of the name of Jesus, we break every chain of fear, every lie that says they are alone or abandoned, and every stronghold that would seek to distance them from Your love. Lord, restore their joy in You. Renew their mind and remind them that their identity is in Christ alone—not in the approval of man, not in the failures of others, but in the finished work of the cross.
Father, we ask that You would surround them with godly community—people who will stand with them, pray with them, and remind them of Your faithfulness. If they are feeling overwhelmed, be their strength. If they are feeling battered, be their refuge. If they are questioning, be their answer. Let them know, beyond any doubt, that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You will never leave them nor forsake them.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust that You are working all things together for the good of our sibling, who loves You and is called according to Your purpose. May they feel Your presence tangibly in these coming days, and may they walk in the confidence that You are fighting for them.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* And in James 1:5, we are told, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* You are not retaking this class in your own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, who will guide your mind, steady your hands, and help you meet each deadline with confidence. Do not fear the professor or the challenges ahead, for the Lord is with you. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* We pray that God will grant you clarity of thought, discipline in your studies, and favor in the eyes of your professor, not for your own glory, but so that you may complete this degree as a testament to God’s faithfulness in your life.
Now, concerning the deep spiritual and emotional distress you are experiencing with this pastor and church, we must speak with both compassion and urgency. It is heartbreaking to hear how this situation has reopened wounds from past spiritual abuse and is causing you to feel alienated from the body of Christ. The behavior you have described—where a pastor shows partiality, creates an environment of favoritism, or allows his personal feelings to dictate his treatment of members—is not in alignment with the biblical call for shepherds. In 1 Peter 5:2-3, pastors are commanded to *"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock."* If a leader is causing harm rather than healing, it is not only permissible but necessary to seek a healthier spiritual environment.
We understand your hesitation in speaking to your mother about this, as you do not want to cause her distress. However, we gently encourage you to pray for the right time and words to share your heart with her. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, *"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance."* While it may be difficult, honesty—rooted in love and wisdom—can bring about necessary change. You are not responsible for how she responds, but you owe it to yourself and to her to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). If she is unaware of the pastor’s behavior, she may not fully understand why you are struggling. Pray that the Lord would prepare her heart to receive what you share and that He would guide both of you to a church where you can grow in faith without fear or favoritism.
We also urge you to consider that while it is noble to endure for the sake of attending church, it is not wise to remain in a place where your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are at risk. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 10:14, *"Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet."* If a church is not a place of refuge, truth, and love, it may be time to leave—peacefully and without drama, but firmly. Do not let the fear of man or the desire to avoid conflict keep you in a place where your soul is being wounded. The Lord sees your pain, and He will lead you to a body of believers where you can heal and thrive.
We are deeply concerned by your admission that these experiences are causing you to push away from aspects of the Christian faith. This is a tactic of the enemy—to use the failures of flawed people to distort your view of God Himself. But listen closely: the actions of this pastor do not represent the heart of Jesus. The spiritual abuse you have endured does not define the character of our Heavenly Father. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), who lays down His life for His sheep. He does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11), nor does He weaponize faith against His children. If you are feeling battered and overwhelmed, it is not because God has abandoned you—it is because the enemy is seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But Jesus came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.
We rebuked the spirits of discouragement, fear, and trauma that are attempting to take root in your heart. In the name of Jesus, we declare that you are not defined by the failures of man, but by the redemption and love of Christ. We pray that the Lord would restore your joy in Him, renew your mind (Romans 12:2), and surround you with believers who will uplift and encourage you. If you are feeling isolated, we urge you to seek out trusted, mature Christians—even if they are outside this church—who can speak truth and life into your situation. You are not alone in this fight.
Finally, we must address the spiritual warfare you mentioned. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* If you have been under demonic attack, it is crucial to stand firm in the authority of Jesus Christ. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and resist the devil, knowing that he will flee from you (James 4:7). We pray that the Lord would expose every scheme of the enemy in your life and break every chain of fear, trauma, and spiritual oppression. May the blood of Jesus cover you, and may His peace—which surpasses all understanding—guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sibling in Christ, lifting up their burdens to Your throne of grace. Lord, we ask that You would grant them supernatural wisdom, discipline, and favor as they retake this final class. Remove every spirit of fear and anxiety, and replace it with Your peace. Give them clarity of mind, strength to meet each deadline, and the ability to recall all that they have studied when the time comes. We pray that You would soften the heart of their professor and that Your favor would rest upon our sibling, not for their own glory, but so that Your name may be magnified through their success.
Lord, we also bring before You the deep pain and confusion they are experiencing within their church. Father, You see the injustice, the favoritism, and the harm that has been done. We ask that You would expose every unrighteous deed and bring conviction where it is needed. Surround our sibling with Your protection, and lead them—and their mother—to a church where they can be nourished in truth, loved unconditionally, and grow in faith without fear. Give them the courage to speak to their mother in love and wisdom, and prepare her heart to receive what You are revealing.
We rebuked every spirit of trauma, discouragement, and spiritual oppression that has sought to take hold of our sibling’s life. By the power of the name of Jesus, we break every chain of fear, every lie that says they are alone or abandoned, and every stronghold that would seek to distance them from Your love. Lord, restore their joy in You. Renew their mind and remind them that their identity is in Christ alone—not in the approval of man, not in the failures of others, but in the finished work of the cross.
Father, we ask that You would surround them with godly community—people who will stand with them, pray with them, and remind them of Your faithfulness. If they are feeling overwhelmed, be their strength. If they are feeling battered, be their refuge. If they are questioning, be their answer. Let them know, beyond any doubt, that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You will never leave them nor forsake them.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust that You are working all things together for the good of our sibling, who loves You and is called according to Your purpose. May they feel Your presence tangibly in these coming days, and may they walk in the confidence that You are fighting for them.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
We're right there with you, dear friend, as you navigate through this challenging season. We want you to know that we're holding you up in prayer, just as you've held up others in the past. Here's what we're praying for you today:
Firstly, we're asking God to grant you supernatural favor as you retake this final class. We believe that He will give you the wisdom, discipline, and favor you need to succeed. We're also asking Him to fill you with His peace, removing any spirit of fear or anxiety that may be trying to take root in your heart. We trust that He will grant you clarity of mind, strength to meet each deadline, and the ability to recall all that you've studied when the time comes.
We're also interceding for you regarding the situation with your pastor and church. We're asking God to expose any unrighteous deeds and bring conviction where it's needed. We're praying that He would surround you with His protection and lead you, and your mother, to a church where you can both be nourished in truth, loved unconditionally, and grow in faith without fear.
We want to encourage you to speak to your mother about what you're feeling, but we understand that this can be a difficult conversation. We're praying that God would give you the right time and words to share your heart with her, and that He would prepare her heart to receive what you have to say. Remember, you are not responsible for how she responds, but you owe it to yourself and to her to speak the truth in love.
Lastly, we're rebuking every spirit of trauma, discouragement, and spiritual oppression that may be trying to take hold of your life. We're standing with you in the authority of Jesus Christ, and we're asking God to break every chain of fear, every lie that says you're alone or abandoned, and every stronghold that would seek to distance you from His love. We're praying that God would restore your joy in Him, renew your mind, and remind you that your identity is in Christ alone.
We're here for you, dear friend. Let's continue to lift each other up in prayer, just as we've been lifted up by others in the past. We trust that God is fighting for you, and we're confident that He will see you through this challenging season.
Firstly, we're asking God to grant you supernatural favor as you retake this final class. We believe that He will give you the wisdom, discipline, and favor you need to succeed. We're also asking Him to fill you with His peace, removing any spirit of fear or anxiety that may be trying to take root in your heart. We trust that He will grant you clarity of mind, strength to meet each deadline, and the ability to recall all that you've studied when the time comes.
We're also interceding for you regarding the situation with your pastor and church. We're asking God to expose any unrighteous deeds and bring conviction where it's needed. We're praying that He would surround you with His protection and lead you, and your mother, to a church where you can both be nourished in truth, loved unconditionally, and grow in faith without fear.
We want to encourage you to speak to your mother about what you're feeling, but we understand that this can be a difficult conversation. We're praying that God would give you the right time and words to share your heart with her, and that He would prepare her heart to receive what you have to say. Remember, you are not responsible for how she responds, but you owe it to yourself and to her to speak the truth in love.
Lastly, we're rebuking every spirit of trauma, discouragement, and spiritual oppression that may be trying to take hold of your life. We're standing with you in the authority of Jesus Christ, and we're asking God to break every chain of fear, every lie that says you're alone or abandoned, and every stronghold that would seek to distance you from His love. We're praying that God would restore your joy in Him, renew your mind, and remind you that your identity is in Christ alone.
We're here for you, dear friend. Let's continue to lift each other up in prayer, just as we've been lifted up by others in the past. We trust that God is fighting for you, and we're confident that He will see you through this challenging season.
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