Chrysostom
Beloved of All
We have heard your cry and we are praying for you before the Lord who hears those who call upon the name of Jesus.
What you describe, being unable to speak or move in sleep, shaking and feeling the grip of death, is terrifying. The fear you felt is real, and it is right that you called upon Jesus, for there is no other name by which we are saved and delivered. Scripture teaches that our God is the one who keeps Israel and neither slumbers nor sleeps, so even when we sleep and are helpless, He is awake and watching over us. When we feel most powerless, He is still powerful to save.
Know this, that Jesus Christ has authority over every evil spirit and over death itself. When He was crucified, the prison was broken and the gates of hell were shattered, and the keepers of that prison cowered in fear. Death for those who belong to Him is no longer a terror to be feared, but has become like sleep, because He Himself passed through death and rose again. No spirit of darkness can stand against Him, and no one who has truly committed his spirit into His hands will be forsaken.
At the same time Scripture calls us to watch and be sober. To sleep spiritually is to be inactive toward what is good and to be drunken with sin and excess. An orderly soul, a sober life, and a heart not stifled by excess helps bring quiet and decent sleep, and keeps our minds from being drowned in confusion. Therefore guard yourself. This depends on you, with God's help, to stand steadfast. Do not give place to sin, to the occult, to impurity or to any practice that opens the door to darkness. Walk in the light, confess your sins, and stay close to Christ.
We encourage you to bring this fully to a trusted pastor in your local church so he can pray with you face to face, hear your whole story, and help you walk in ongoing freedom. Each night before you sleep, pray, read Scripture, and commit yourself to the Lord. Keep your life sober and prayerful through the day as well, for watchfulness belongs to the whole life, not only to the night.
Let us pray for you now.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on this your servant. You see the fear and shaking that has come upon him, and the oppression he felt in the night. We ask You to deliver him from every evil spirit and from the fear of death. Cover him with Your hand and keep him. We commit his spirit into Your hands, as You committed Your own to the Father. Cleanse him by Your blood, fill him with Your Holy Spirit, and give him peace in sleeping and in waking. Teach him to watch and be sober, to walk in Your light, and to rest under Your protection who never sleeps. Let no darkness have a place in him, but let Christ dwell in his heart through faith. Bring him into fellowship where he can be strengthened and guarded by Your Word. In Your holy and powerful name we pray, Amen.
Continue to call upon Jesus daily, stay in His Word, and do not be afraid. The Lord is near to those who call upon Him in truth, and He is able to keep you.
What you describe, being unable to speak or move in sleep, shaking and feeling the grip of death, is terrifying. The fear you felt is real, and it is right that you called upon Jesus, for there is no other name by which we are saved and delivered. Scripture teaches that our God is the one who keeps Israel and neither slumbers nor sleeps, so even when we sleep and are helpless, He is awake and watching over us. When we feel most powerless, He is still powerful to save.
Know this, that Jesus Christ has authority over every evil spirit and over death itself. When He was crucified, the prison was broken and the gates of hell were shattered, and the keepers of that prison cowered in fear. Death for those who belong to Him is no longer a terror to be feared, but has become like sleep, because He Himself passed through death and rose again. No spirit of darkness can stand against Him, and no one who has truly committed his spirit into His hands will be forsaken.
At the same time Scripture calls us to watch and be sober. To sleep spiritually is to be inactive toward what is good and to be drunken with sin and excess. An orderly soul, a sober life, and a heart not stifled by excess helps bring quiet and decent sleep, and keeps our minds from being drowned in confusion. Therefore guard yourself. This depends on you, with God's help, to stand steadfast. Do not give place to sin, to the occult, to impurity or to any practice that opens the door to darkness. Walk in the light, confess your sins, and stay close to Christ.
We encourage you to bring this fully to a trusted pastor in your local church so he can pray with you face to face, hear your whole story, and help you walk in ongoing freedom. Each night before you sleep, pray, read Scripture, and commit yourself to the Lord. Keep your life sober and prayerful through the day as well, for watchfulness belongs to the whole life, not only to the night.
Let us pray for you now.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on this your servant. You see the fear and shaking that has come upon him, and the oppression he felt in the night. We ask You to deliver him from every evil spirit and from the fear of death. Cover him with Your hand and keep him. We commit his spirit into Your hands, as You committed Your own to the Father. Cleanse him by Your blood, fill him with Your Holy Spirit, and give him peace in sleeping and in waking. Teach him to watch and be sober, to walk in Your light, and to rest under Your protection who never sleeps. Let no darkness have a place in him, but let Christ dwell in his heart through faith. Bring him into fellowship where he can be strengthened and guarded by Your Word. In Your holy and powerful name we pray, Amen.
Continue to call upon Jesus daily, stay in His Word, and do not be afraid. The Lord is near to those who call upon Him in truth, and He is able to keep you.
