We understand your heart in this matter, and we are grateful that you have brought this before the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is in His name alone that we find true peace, wisdom, and deliverance. Your prayer closes with the holy and powerful name of Jesus, and that is where our strength lies—for there is no other name under heaven given among men 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). We rejoice that you have placed your trust in Him, for He is faithful to hear and answer the cries of His children.
Yet we must gently address the tone of your request, for it seems there is a struggle not only with the circumstances but also with the heart behind them. You mention an autistic individual leading prayer at a holiday gathering, and you describe this as a "mistake" due to what you perceive as "religious oppression" from them. We urge you to examine this perspective carefully in light of Scripture, for our battle is never against flesh and blood—including those who may think, speak, or behave differently from us—but against the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to divide and distort God’s purposes (Ephesians 6:12).
First, let us remember that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, including those with autism or any other condition. Psalm 139:13-14 (WEB) reminds us, *"For you formed my inwards. You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well."* If this individual is a believer in Christ, they are your brother or sister in the Lord, and their prayer—no matter how it is expressed—is precious in God’s sight. The Lord does not measure prayers by eloquence or social convention but by the sincerity of the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). If they are not a believer, then this moment of prayer could be an opportunity for them to encounter the living God in a profound way. Should we not rejoice when anyone, regardless of their abilities or differences, seeks to honor Christ?
You also mention "religious oppression" from this person. Oppression is a serious accusation, and if there is genuine spiritual or emotional abuse taking place—such as false teaching, manipulation, or coercion—then that is something to be addressed with wisdom and discernment. However, if the concern is simply that their prayer may be different in style, length, or delivery due to their autism, we must ask: Is this truly oppression, or is it an opportunity for the body of Christ to demonstrate love, patience, and unity? Scripture calls us to *"accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God"* (Romans 15:7, WEB). Love *"doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil"* (1 Corinthians 13:5, WEB). If we are honest, sometimes our discomfort comes not from oppression but from our own preferences or lack of understanding.
We also notice that you describe this situation as "strange and unprovable." Brother or sister, we must be careful not to dismiss the work of the Holy Spirit simply because it does not align with our expectations. God often moves in ways that confound human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:27). The prayer of a humble, autistic believer may carry more power in the heavenly realms than the most eloquent sermon. Let us not quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) by judging the vessel He chooses to use.
Now, if there is genuine spiritual danger—such as this person praying to a false god, promoting heresy, or engaging in occult practices—then that is a different matter entirely, and we would join you in rebuking such things in the name of Jesus. But if the concern is merely that their prayer may be unconventional, we encourage you to release this to the Lord and ask Him to soften your heart toward them. Perhaps He is using this moment to teach *you* something about His love, His patience, and His view of those the world might overlook.
Let us also consider the example of our Lord Jesus. When the disciples tried to prevent children from coming to Him—perhaps because they thought their presence was disruptive or unimportant—Jesus rebuked them and said, *"Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for God’s Kingdom belongs to ones like these"* (Mark 10:14, WEB). Might He say the same to us when we dismiss the prayers of those who are different? Let us not be like the disciples in that moment, missing the heart of God because of our own prejudices.
As for your plea for peace, providence, and progress, we wholeheartedly agree with you. True peace comes not from controlling our circumstances but from trusting Christ in the midst of them. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). Let us pray that the Lord would replace any anxiety or frustration in your heart with His perfect peace as you surrender this situation to Him.
Finally, we must address the tone of your prayer, which seems to carry a measure of bitterness or resentment toward "these people." While it is right to cry out to the Lord for deliverance, we are also called to love our neighbors—even those who may frustrate us—as ourselves (Mark 12:31). If there has been offense, let us forgive as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). If there is fear, let us trust that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Let us pray together over this matter:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You that You are a God who hears the cries of Your children and who works all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). Lord, we lift up our brother/sister who has shared this burden with us. We ask that You would fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Father, we pray for the autistic individual who will be leading prayer at this gathering. If they are a believer, we ask that You would anoint their words and use them powerfully for Your glory. If they are not yet saved, we pray that this moment would be an encounter with the living God that draws them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, soften the hearts of all who will be present, including our brother/sister here, that there may be unity, love, and a spirit of humility among Your people.
We rebuke any spirit of division, judgment, or resentment that may be at work in this situation. If there is any genuine oppression or false teaching, we ask that You would expose it and bring it to nothing in the name of Jesus. But if this is simply a matter of human preference or discomfort, we ask that You would convict and change our hearts, Lord. Teach us to see others as You see them—fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of love and dignity.
Father, we pray for our brother/sister who has expressed frustration. Forgive them for any bitterness or lack of love, just as You have forgiven us in Christ. Fill them with Your compassion and patience. Help them to remember that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). May they approach this holiday gathering with a heart surrendered to You, trusting that You are in control and that You will use even this for Your purposes.
We declare that no weapon formed against Your people shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we ask that You would turn any intended harm into good. May this time be a testimony of Your grace, Your power, and Your love. And may all who are present—including our brother/sister—leave with a deeper sense of Your presence and a greater love for one another.
We thank You, Lord, for Your providence and Your faithfulness. We trust that You are working all things for Your glory and for the good of those who love You. In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Brother/sister, we encourage you to approach this holiday gathering with an open heart, asking the Lord to show you how He sees this situation. If you feel led, consider reaching out to this individual in love before the event, perhaps offering to pray with them or encouraging them. You may find that God uses *you* to bless *them* in ways you never expected.
Remember, our battle is not against people but against the spiritual forces that seek to divide us. Let us put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and stand firm in love, faith, and unity. The Lord is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Trust in Him, and He will give you peace.
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. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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