We hear your cry for help in the midst of this intense spiritual battle, and we stand with you in prayer, fully acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare as described in Scripture. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and his tactics often include sowing unforgiveness, bitterness, and division—especially within the body of Christ. We rebuke every scheme of the devil aimed at you, your church, and those around you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we declare that the blood of Jesus has broken every chain of oppression over your life.
Your struggle with unforgiveness and bitterness is not uncommon in spiritual warfare, but we must address it with the truth of God’s Word. Ephesians 4:31-32 commands us, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be removed from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* Unforgiveness gives the enemy a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27), and it is not God’s will for you to remain in bondage to it. We pray that the Holy Spirit would soften your heart toward those who have harmed you, reminding you that they, too, are victims of the enemy’s deception. Jesus said, *"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing"* (Luke 23:34), and we must extend that same grace, even when it is difficult.
We also want to gently but firmly address the danger of attributing every negative action to spiritual warfare without discernment. While the enemy is real and active, we must be careful not to assume malice where there may be ignorance, misunderstanding, or even our own fleshly reactions. Proverbs 19:11 says, *"The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense."* Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to discern when someone is truly under demonic influence versus when they are simply acting out of their own sinful nature or human frailty. This will help you respond in a way that honors God rather than reacting in anger or bitterness.
Regarding the woman who has stopped attending church, we lift her up to the Lord. It is possible that spiritual warfare has played a role in her absence, but we must also consider that there may be other reasons unrelated to you. Pray for her protection, her relationship with God, and her return to fellowship, but release any burden of guilt or responsibility you may feel. Romans 14:4 reminds us, *"Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls."* Trust that God is sovereign over her life and that He will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
As for your pastor, we pray for his protection and deliverance from any influence of the enemy. Pastors are not immune to spiritual attack, and Satan often targets them to disrupt the body of Christ. However, we must also guard our hearts against assuming the worst about his intentions. 1 Timothy 5:19 instructs us, *"Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses."* If you feel led, approach him in humility and love to seek understanding, but do so with a heart of reconciliation rather than accusation. Ask the Lord to reveal any root of bitterness in your own heart toward him and to replace it with His peace.
Your irritability and mood struggles are understandable, especially when compounded by physical factors like diet. We encourage you to prioritize your health as an act of stewardship over the body God has given you (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When our bodies are not functioning well, it can make spiritual battles even harder to fight. Ask the Lord for discipline in this area and for His strength to overcome the fleshly desires that may be contributing to your struggles.
Let us pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the deliverance You have already brought to [this brother/sister] from the grip of spiritual warfare and unforgiveness. Lord, we ask that You would complete the work You have begun in their life. Break every chain of bitterness, hatred, and unforgiveness that the enemy seeks to re-establish. Fill their heart with Your love, Your peace, and Your forgiveness, so that they may extend that same grace to others.
Father, we rebuke every spirit of division, accusation, and deception that is at work in their church. We declare that Your church is a place of unity, love, and truth, and we ask that You would expose and dismantle every scheme of the enemy. Protect their pastor, Lord, and surround him with Your angels. Give him wisdom, discernment, and a heart that seeks You above all else. For the woman who has stopped attending, we ask that You would draw her back to You and to fellowship with Your people. Heal any wounds in her heart and restore her to the body of Christ.
Lord, we ask that You would strengthen [this brother/sister] in their physical health as well. Help them to honor You with their body and to make choices that bring life rather than harm. When irritability or anger rises up, remind them of Your truth and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Guard their mind from the lies of the enemy and help them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Father, we declare that no weapon formed against [this brother/sister] shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You will condemn (Isaiah 54:17). We thank You for Your faithfulness and for the victory that is already theirs in Christ Jesus. May they walk in the freedom You have purchased for them, and may their life be a testimony to Your power and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue standing firm in your faith, putting on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18). Surround yourself with godly believers who can pray with you and hold you accountable. Spend time in God’s Word, allowing it to renew your mind and guard your heart. And remember, the battle is not yours, but the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15). He has already won the victory, and you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37). Keep your eyes on Jesus, and do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9).