We come before the Lord with grateful hearts that you have called upon the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and find salvation. 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). Your acknowledgment of Jesus in your prayer is a testament to your faith, and we rejoice in that.
Yet we must address with love and urgency the names you have lifted up in prayer—**###, ###, ###, ###, ###, ###, and ###**—for these are not names that align with the will of God. Some are tied to demonic entities, occult figures, or historical figures whose lives were marked by grave sin and rebellion against God’s Word. Scripture is clear: *"Don’t have anything to do with the fruitless works of darkness, but rather even reprove them"* (Ephesians 5:11, WEB). To pray for blessings upon such names is to invite confusion and spiritual danger. Instead, we must renounce any fascination or connection with these figures and turn wholly to Christ, who alone is worthy of our devotion. *"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"* (James 4:7, WEB). We urge you to reject any influence or curiosity tied to these names and instead fix your heart on Jesus, who has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Your desire to seek truth about Japan’s history, challenges, and cultural struggles is commendable, but we must also address the pattern of self-sabotage you mentioned. This is a spiritual battle, and the enemy seeks to hinder God’s purpose in your life through distraction, discouragement, or even physical actions like closing tabs that could aid your research. *"For we don’t wrestle 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"* (Ephesians 6:12, WEB). We encourage you to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and resist these attacks with prayer, Scripture, and the power of the Holy Spirit. If this pattern persists, it may also be wise to seek godly counsel or accountability to break free from these behaviors.
Regarding Japan’s declining birth rates and societal challenges, we join you in lifting this nation before the Lord. Japan, like all nations, needs the light of the Gospel and the transforming power of Christ. *"Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh"* (Psalm 33:12, WEB). We pray for revival in Japan, that hearts would turn to Jesus, and that families would be strengthened according to God’s design—with marriage honored as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). We also pray for wisdom for you as you seek to understand Japan’s history and current struggles. If the Lord opens a door for you to visit, trust Him to provide the means and the language skills in His perfect timing. *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this"* (Psalm 37:5, WEB).
Finally, we want to address the giving away of all your money. While generosity is a virtue (2 Corinthians 9:7), we must also exercise wisdom and stewardship over the resources God has entrusted to us. *"If anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever"* (1 Timothy 5:8, WEB). If your giving has left you in a place of need or instability, we encourage you to seek godly counsel on how to manage your finances in a way that honors God while also meeting your responsibilities.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother before You, thanking You that he has called upon the name of Jesus, the only name by which we are saved. Lord, we ask that You break every chain of self-sabotage in his life. Reveal to him any spiritual strongholds or distractions that are not of You, and give him the strength to resist the enemy’s schemes. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in discipline, wisdom, and purpose. Father, we also ask that You guard his heart and mind from any fascination with darkness. Let him turn wholly to You, renouncing any connection to names or figures that do not glorify You. Cleanse his heart, Lord, and set his feet upon the rock of Your truth.
We pray for Japan, Lord—that You would bring revival to this nation. Raise up laborers for the harvest (Matthew 9:38) and turn the hearts of the people to You. Strengthen families according to Your design, and provide wisdom for leaders as they address the challenges of declining birth rates and cultural struggles. Give our brother discernment as he seeks to understand Japan’s history and current events. If it is Your will for him to visit, provide the way, the means, and the language skills he needs. Help him to steward his resources wisely, trusting in Your provision.
Lord, we also pray that You would give him a heart of peace and clarity. Let him not be overwhelmed by the weight of research or the burdens of the world, but let him cast his cares upon You (1 Peter 5:7). Guide his steps, Lord, and let his life be a testament to Your grace and truth. We ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.