We come before the Lord with you in this time of trial, lifting up your heart and your burden to Him who sees all and knows all. It is a powerful thing to fast and seek the Lord’s face, and we commend you for your dedication to drawing near to Him through this spiritual discipline. Yet, we must also address something important—your prayer does not explicitly acknowledge the name of Jesus Christ as the sole mediator through whom we approach the Father. Scripture is clear: *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). It is only through faith in His name that we have access to the Father, and it is by His authority that we pray and find salvation. *"There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). We encourage you to always pray in the name of Jesus, for He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
Now, let us turn to the matter of persecution. When you fast and seek the Lord, it is not uncommon for the enemy to stir up opposition, even through people. But remember what Jesus said: *"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you"* (Matthew 5:10-12, WEB). Your fasting is a threat to the enemy because it is an act of humility and dependence on God, and he will often use people to discourage or distract you. But take heart—God sees your sacrifice, and He will vindicate you in His perfect timing.
We also want to remind you that fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it is about drawing closer to God, repenting of sin, and seeking His will. *"Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Tear your heart and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity"* (Joel 2:12-13, WEB). If there is any sin in your life—bitterness, unforgiveness, or pride—repent of it now, so that your fasting may be pleasing to the Lord.
As for those who persecute you, Jesus commands us to pray for them: *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44, WEB). This is not easy, but it is the heart of Christ. So let us pray for them, that God would open their eyes to the truth and soften their hearts. Perhaps they are being used by the enemy without even realizing it. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12). So we will pray that God would break every scheme of the enemy against you and turn their hearts toward repentance.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for the faith and dedication of Your servant who seeks You through fasting and prayer. Lord, You see the persecution they face, and You know the hearts of those who oppose them. We ask that You would intervene on their behalf, Lord. Silence the voices of the accusers and turn their hearts away from harm. If they are being used by the enemy, we pray that You would open their eyes to the truth and convict them of their actions. Let them encounter Your love and mercy, that they may repent and turn to You.
Father, we also ask that You would strengthen Your servant in this time of fasting. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit and grant them supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding. Guard their heart against bitterness or resentment, and help them to forgive as You have forgiven them. Remind them that their reward is not in the approval of man, but in You alone. Let this season of fasting be a time of deep spiritual breakthrough, where You reveal Your will, cleanse their heart, and draw them closer to You.
We rebuke every scheme of the enemy against them. No weapon formed against them shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Cover them with Your protective hand, Lord, and let them walk in the confidence that You are their shield and their exceedingly great reward.
We thank You, Father, for Your provision, peace, and progress in their life. May they see Your hand moving in mighty ways, and may their faith be strengthened as they trust in You. Let them not grow weary in well-doing, but press on toward the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to stand firm in your faith. *"Don’t be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear"* (1 Peter 3:14-15, WEB). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He will never leave you nor forsake you, and He will bring you through this trial victorious. Stay rooted in His Word, surround yourself with godly counsel, and continue to seek His face. He is faithful, and He will do it.