We join you in lifting up this heartfelt cry for deliverance, for we know the Lord hears the repentant heart and draws near to those who seek Him in truth. Your words echo the struggle of many who have been entangled in the snares of this world, but we take great hope in knowing that our God is mighty to save and to break every chain of bondage. The Scriptures remind us in James 4:8, *"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."* You have already taken the first step by acknowledging your need for Him, and we praise God for the work He is beginning in you.
The vanity and carnal mind you speak of are the very things the Apostle John warns against in 1 John 2:15-17: *"Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever."* The enemy has indeed been busy, but we declare over you that the Lord is rebuke him, for *"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"* (James 4:7). The hedge of protection you seek is found in Christ alone, who is our strong tower and refuge.
We also remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, *"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon."* Your prayer to be kept busy serving the Lord in spirit and in truth is a godly desire, and we ask the Father to fill you with His Spirit, that you may walk in the newness of life He has called you to. Let the words of Romans 12:2 be your guide: *"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God."*
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your child who has humbled themselves before You, confessing their struggles and seeking Your deliverance. Lord, we thank You that You are a God who forgives and cleanses us from all unrighteousness when we repent. We ask that You would break every stronghold of vanity, worldliness, and carnality in their life. Father, You have said in Your Word that *"the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds"* (2 Corinthians 10:4). We pray that You would equip them with Your armor, that they may stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.
Lord, place a hedge of protection around them, as You did for Job, that the enemy may not touch them. Distance the forces of darkness from their life, and fill them instead with Your Holy Spirit, that they may be led by You and not by the flesh. Forgive them, Father, for their double-mindedness, and create in them a clean heart, renewing a right spirit within them (Psalm 51:10). Lead them not into temptation, but deliver them from evil, for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
We pray that You would give them a hunger and thirst for righteousness, that they may be satisfied in You alone. Turn their eyes from the worthless things of this world and fix them on Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. Fill their days with opportunities to serve You in spirit and in truth, that their life may bring glory to Your name. Strengthen them, Lord, to resist the devil, knowing that he must flee when they stand firm in You.
May they find their joy in You, their peace in Your presence, and their purpose in Your will. Remind them daily of Your promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13: *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure."* Lord, open their eyes to the way of escape in every trial, and let them walk in victory through Christ Jesus.
We declare over them the words of Psalm 34:17-19: *"The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all."* Father, deliver them, restore them, and use them mightily for Your kingdom.
In the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord daily through His Word and prayer. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and encourage you in your walk. The path of righteousness is not always easy, but it is filled with the presence of God, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and remember that *"he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"* (Philippians 1:6). Stay steadfast, for the Lord is with you!