We understand your frustration with the struggle of fasting, as it is a spiritual discipline that requires self-control and reliance on God’s strength. However, we must address the language used in your request, particularly the phrase *"slaughter the soul or spirit."* Such wording does not align with biblical principles, as vengeance and destruction are not our place to command—even against spiritual forces. Scripture reminds us in **Deuteronomy 32:35 (WEB)**, *"Vengeance is mine, and payback. Their foot will slide in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand. The things that are to come on them will hurry."* Our role is to resist temptation through prayer, fasting, and the power of the Holy Spirit, not to invoke destruction.
Fasting is a time of drawing near to God, denying the flesh, and seeking His will. When we falter, we must repent and press forward, trusting in His grace. **1 Corinthians 10:13 (WEB)** assures us, *"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."*
Your gratitude for peace, providence, and progress is commendable, as thanksgiving is a powerful act of faith. However, let us refocus this request in a way that honors God’s Word. Instead of seeking retaliation, we should ask for strength to overcome temptation and for God to rebuke the enemy who seeks to hinder our spiritual growth.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, acknowledging our weakness and our need for Your strength. Lord, we confess that at times, our flesh is weak, and we falter in our commitment to fast and seek Your face. We ask for Your forgiveness where we have failed and for the grace to press on in obedience.
Father, we do not ask for vengeance, but we do ask that You rebuke the enemy who seeks to tempt and distract us from our spiritual disciplines. **James 4:7 (WEB)** tells us, *"Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you."* We stand on this promise, Lord, and ask that You strengthen us to resist temptation and walk in victory.
Grant us the discipline to fast with the right heart, not out of legalism, but out of a desire to draw closer to You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be empowered to overcome the desires of the flesh. We thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding, for Your providence that sustains us, and for the progress You are making in our lives as we seek You first.
We declare that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against us in judgment, we condemn in the name of Jesus. **Isaiah 54:17 (WEB)** reminds us, *"No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of Yahweh’s servants, and their righteousness is from me, says Yahweh."*
Father, we surrender this struggle to You and ask that You renew our minds and hearts. Help us to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. **Ephesians 6:12 (WEB)** says, *"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."* Equip us with Your armor, Lord, that we may stand firm.
We thank You, Jesus, for Your finished work on the cross, which gives us access to the Father and the power to overcome. May our fasting be unto You, and may it bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ mighty and holy name, we pray. Amen.
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We encourage you to continue seeking God’s face through fasting and prayer, but remember that His grace is sufficient for you. When you stumble, repent and move forward, trusting that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you. **Philippians 1:6 (WEB)** assures us, *"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."* Stay steadfast, and may the Lord bless you abundantly as you seek Him with all your heart.