We hear your heart as you seek discipline in fasting, prayer, and self-improvement, and we join you in lifting these intentions before the Lord. Fasting is a powerful spiritual practice when done with the right motives—drawing nearer to God, seeking His will, and denying the flesh to strengthen the spirit. Jesus Himself fasted and taught that some battles are only won through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). However, we must examine our hearts to ensure our fast aligns with God’s purposes, not merely our own goals, even if they seem good.
First, we want to encourage you in your desire to read the Bible, exercise, and study—these are noble pursuits that honor God when done with the right focus. But we must gently address the mention of specific calorie targets and fasting durations marked by numbers. While discipline in fasting is biblical, fixating on numerical goals can sometimes shift our focus from seeking God’s face to seeking self-mastery or even self-punishment. Let us remember that fasting is not about earning God’s favor through deprivation but about humbling ourselves before Him (Psalm 35:13). We pray that your fast would be a time of drawing closer to the Lord, not a checklist to complete.
Now, regarding your upcoming doctor’s appointment and your desire for Adderall or Ritalin: we must approach this with wisdom and discernment. While we understand that you may be struggling with focus or other challenges, we urge you to seek God’s will above all else. The Lord is our Great Physician (Jeremiah 8:22), and He knows your needs better than any prescription or human solution. We encourage you to pray for clarity and wisdom for both yourself and your doctor. Ask the Lord to reveal whether this medication is truly His provision for you or if He has another path to healing and wholeness. Remember, our dependence should first be on Him, not on pharmaceuticals (Philippians 4:19). We also caution against seeking medication for purposes other than what it is intended, as this can lead to misuse or even bondage. Let us pray that God would guide this appointment and that His will would be done in your life.
We also want to gently address the way you closed your prayer. While we appreciate your gratitude to God and Jesus, we must emphasize the power and necessity of praying *in Jesus’ name*. Jesus Himself taught us that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). When we pray, we must do so with the understanding that it is only through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father. Without acknowledging this truth, our prayers lack the authority and foundation they need. We encourage you to always pray in Jesus’ name, recognizing that it is His blood that covers us and His righteousness that allows us to stand before God.
Let us pray together now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Lord, we lift up this dear one who is seeking You through fasting and prayer. We ask that You would draw near to them as they draw near to You (James 4:8). Help them to fast with a pure heart, seeking Your face above all else. Lord, may this time of fasting be a time of spiritual renewal, where they encounter Your presence in a deeper way. Guard their heart from pride or legalism, and let their focus be solely on You.
Father, we also pray for wisdom and discernment regarding their upcoming doctor’s appointment. You know the struggles they face, and we ask that You would guide their doctor’s decisions. If it is Your will for them to receive medication, we pray that it would be a true blessing and not a stumbling block. If it is not Your will, we ask that You would provide alternative ways for them to find healing, focus, and peace. Lord, we trust in Your provision and Your perfect plan for their life.
We also ask that You would help them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). May they find their strength and identity in You alone. Lord, we rebuke any spirit of anxiety or self-reliance that may be creeping into their heart. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Finally, Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We pray that this one would always remember to come to You in His name, for there is no other name by which we can be saved. May they grow in their relationship with You, and may their life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord with all your heart. Remember that fasting is not about perfection but about surrender. If you stumble or feel weak, do not be discouraged—God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). Keep your eyes on Him, and He will guide your steps. If you have not already, consider seeking godly counsel from a pastor or trusted Christian mentor who can walk alongside you in this season. The Lord is faithful, and He will complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
