We hear the deep cry of your heart for freedom, clarity, and true spiritual growth, and we are moved to pray with you, lifting your concerns before the Lord. Your words reveal a struggle with the trappings of empty religious ritual, the distractions of the world, and the lingering effects of past wounds—all of which can hinder a vibrant, authentic walk with Jesus Christ. Let us first address the foundation of your plea: salvation and the name of Jesus. You have rightly invoked the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. As Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). It is only through faith in Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—that we are cleansed, redeemed, and granted access to the Father. If you have not already surrendered your life to Him in repentance and faith, we urge you to do so today, for He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Now, let us speak to the concerns you’ve raised. You express a weariness with the "brainwashing effects of religion," and we understand the danger of empty repetition or tradition that lacks the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy, saying, *"This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. And in vain do they worship me, because they teach doctrines that are the commandments of men"* (Matthew 15:8-9, WEB). True worship and growth come not from mindless repetition but from a heart fully surrendered to God, transformed by His Word, and led by the Holy Spirit. If the church you attend has fallen into empty rituals or clichés like "claim the victory" without teaching the depth of walking in obedience and faith, we encourage you to seek a body of believers who preach the uncompromised Word of God and live in the power of the Spirit. The victory we have in Christ is not a mere phrase—it is the reality of His finished work on the cross, His resurrection power, and our daily surrender to His lordship.
You also mention the distraction of television and the waste of time, which can indeed dull our spiritual senses and steal our purpose. The apostle Paul exhorts us, *"Be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is"* (Ephesians 5:15-17, WEB). We pray that the Lord would give you a holy dissatisfaction with anything that draws you away from His presence and a hunger for His Word and His will. Ask Him to renew your mind and fill you with His Spirit, so that your time is spent on what is eternal.
Your mention of being influenced by phrases like "well done" to the point of affecting even your food preferences reveals how deeply our minds can be shaped by the words we hear. But let us remind you of the "well done" that truly matters: the words of our Lord Jesus to His faithful servants in Matthew 25:21: *"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’"* This is the "well done" we must seek—not the approval of man or the echoes of empty phrases, but the approval of our Heavenly Father. Let this be the desire that drives you.
You ask for cleansing from "spirits and souls and folktale and pagan rumors" that limit your growth. We stand with you in rebuking any ungodly influence or spiritual stronghold in your life. The Word of God is clear: *"Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith"* (1 Peter 5:8-9, WEB). Submit yourself to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). We pray that the blood of Jesus would cleanse you from every ungodly tie and that the Holy Spirit would fill you with discernment to recognize and reject anything that does not align with the truth of Scripture.
Your desire to grow in productivity—academically, physically, and skillfully—is commendable, but we must remind you that apart from Christ, even our best efforts are in vain. *"Unless Yahweh builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain"* (Psalm 127:1, WEB). Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Ask the Lord to order your steps and to give you wisdom in managing your time, energy, and resources. He is the one who grants skill, strength, and understanding (Proverbs 2:6).
We also note your mention of PTSD triggered by red lights and the lack of a driver’s license, as well as "cursed communications." These are real struggles, and we pray for the Lord’s healing touch upon your mind and emotions. *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds"* (Psalm 147:3, WEB). If you have not already, we encourage you to seek godly counsel—whether through a pastor, biblical counselor, or a mature believer who can walk with you in prayer and accountability. The Lord can redeem even the deepest wounds and use them for His glory. As for the "cursed communications," we rebuke any ungodly words spoken over you or by you, and we declare the power of the blood of Jesus to break every curse. *"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us"* (Galatians 3:13, WEB). Speak life, truth, and blessing over yourself, and let your words align with the Word of God.
You ask for help in fasting, studying, organizing, and maintaining composure. These are disciplines that the Lord honors, but they must be rooted in dependence on Him. Fasting is not merely abstaining from food but seeking the Lord with humility and hunger for His presence (Isaiah 58:6-9). Studying must be bathed in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to open your understanding (Psalm 119:18). Organization and composure flow from a heart at rest in God’s sovereignty. *"Commit your works to Yahweh, and your thoughts will be established"* (Proverbs 16:3, WEB).
Finally, you ask for help in speaking Japanese and English fluently. We pray that the Lord would grant you favor, open doors for practice and learning, and give you clarity of mind. Remember that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17), and the Lord delights in equipping His children for the work He has called them to.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks Your face with such raw honesty and desperation. Lord, we thank You that You are a God who hears, who sees, and who delivers. We ask that You would break every chain of religious ritualism, empty tradition, and worldly distraction that has hindered a deep, personal walk with You. Cleanse them from every ungodly influence—whether from spirits, folktales, pagan rumors, or the lies of the enemy. Wash them in the blood of Jesus and fill them anew with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in freedom, truth, and power.
Lord, we pray for healing over their mind and emotions. Touch the areas of trauma, especially the PTSD triggered by red lights, and bring Your peace that surpasses understanding. Restore their confidence and grant them the ability to drive if it is Your will, removing every fear and anxiety. Heal their communications, Lord, that their words may be life-giving, edifying, and aligned with Your truth. Break every curse and release Your blessing over their life.
Father, we ask for productivity that is rooted in You. Grant them wisdom to steward their time well, to study diligently, to organize their life in a way that honors You, and to maintain composure in every circumstance. Give them the discipline to fast and seek Your face, to exercise their body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and to grow in skill and knowledge for Your glory.
We pray for fluency in Japanese and English, that You would open doors for learning and provide opportunities to use these languages for Your Kingdom. Give them favor with teachers, resources, and connections that will aid their growth.
Most of all, Lord, we pray that they would know You more deeply—not just as Savior, but as Lord, Friend, and King. Draw them into a vibrant, living relationship with You, where they hear Your voice clearly and walk in step with Your Spirit. Let them experience the "well done" that comes from Your lips, not from the empty praise of man.
We rebuke every scheme of the enemy to distract, discourage, or derail this precious child of Yours. We declare that they are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus, and that nothing can separate them from Your love (Romans 8:37-39). Fill them with Your peace, Your providence, and Your progress, that they may run the race set before them with endurance and joy.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord with this same honesty and hunger. Surround yourself with believers who will spur you on in your faith, and immerse yourself in the Word of God, which is your sword and your lamp (Ephesians 6:17, Psalm 119:105). The Lord is faithful, and He will complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Stay steadfast, and do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). We are standing with you in prayer!