We come before the Lord with you in this time of deep struggle, lifting your heart, mind, and spirit to Jesus Christ, who alone is our strength, hope, and deliverer. It is good that you are calling upon the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, and it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. As Scripture declares, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Your acknowledgment of Jesus in your prayer is a testament to your faith, and we encourage you to continue to cling to Him in all things, for He is faithful even when our feelings or circumstances suggest otherwise.
Your commitment to this extended Daniel fast is commendable, as fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that humbles us before God and sharpens our focus on Him. The prophet Daniel himself sought the Lord with fasting and prayer, and God heard and answered him (Daniel 9:3, 20-23). We pray that the Lord will grant you the strength to complete this fast day by day, not in your own power, but by the might of the Holy Spirit. *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). When the enemy whispers to you to break your fast, resist him firmly in the name of Jesus, for *"God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB). The spirit that tempts you to abandon your fast is the same spirit that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus has already overcome him. Stand firm in the authority of Christ, and that spirit must flee.
We must address the heaviness in your words, particularly your mention of feeling drugged, the increase in antidepressants, and the hope "not to wake up." Brother or sister, these are not thoughts from the Lord, but from the enemy who seeks to discourage and destroy you. Jesus said, *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy; but I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10, WEB). If you are experiencing thoughts of hopelessness or self-harm, we urge you to seek help immediately—speak to a trusted believer, a pastor, or a counselor who can walk with you through this darkness. You are not alone, and your life is precious to God. *"Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?"* (1 Corinthians 3:16, WEB). The Lord has a purpose for you, even in this season of struggle. *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future"* (Jeremiah 29:11, WEB).
Your mention of "religious revenge" and "religious attacks" is deeply concerning. Vengeance belongs to the Lord alone, and He commands us not to repay evil for evil but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). *"Don’t say, ‘I will pay back evil.’ Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you"* (Proverbs 20:22, WEB). Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies and to bless those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). If you are facing persecution or attacks, we pray that the Lord will be your defender and shield. *"Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower"* (Psalm 18:2, WEB). Trust in Him to fight your battles, for His justice is perfect and His timing is sovereign.
We also sense a deep weariness in your words about the work you are doing—transcribing the Gospel of Matthew and the New Testament. You speak of feeling inadequate, like a failure, and that this work has been a "complete financial loss." Yet we remind you that the Lord does not call us to success as the world defines it, but to faithfulness. *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ"* (Colossians 3:23-24, WEB). The work you are doing—engaging deeply with Scripture—is not in vain, even if it does not yield the results you hope for. *"So let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up"* (Galatians 6:9, WEB). The Lord sees your labor, and He will provide for you in ways you cannot yet see. Trust that He is working even in this.
Your mention of "forced conversion as justification for bad things not happening" is troubling. Salvation is not something that can be forced—it is a free gift of God, received by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9, WEB). There is no coercion in the love of God; He draws us to Himself with cords of kindness (Hosea 11:4). If you are feeling pressured or manipulated in your faith, we pray that the Lord will reveal His true character to you—a God of love, grace, and freedom, not of fear or control.
We are glad to hear that cold showers and the possibility of exercise have helped with your focus and mood. The body and spirit are deeply connected, and caring for one often strengthens the other. *"Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, WEB). We pray that the Lord will give you the discipline and joy to continue in these healthy habits, that your body may be strengthened for the work He has called you to.
Most importantly, we want to remind you that your worth is not found in what you accomplish, how much you fast, or how perfectly you transcribe Scripture. Your worth is found in Christ alone. *"But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"* (Romans 5:8, WEB). You are loved not because of what you do, but because of who He is. Rest in that love today.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You, asking that You would surround them with Your peace, strength, and hope. Lord Jesus, You see the depth of their struggle—the weariness, the discouragement, the feelings of inadequacy, and the heaviness of heart. We ask that You would lift them up on eagle’s wings, that they may soar above these trials in Your strength. *"He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might"* (Isaiah 40:29, WEB).
Lord, we pray for protection over their mind and heart. Break the power of any spirit that would tempt them to break their fast or to entertain thoughts of hopelessness. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, who is their Comforter, Counselor, and Strength. *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness"* (Isaiah 41:10, WEB).
Father, we ask for Your provision in every area of their life—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. You are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. Open doors that no man can shut, and supply all their needs according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Give them wisdom and perseverance as they continue the work You have placed before them, and let them see the fruit of their labor in Your perfect timing.
We rebuke any spirit of fear, discouragement, or despair in the mighty name of Jesus. *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). Let Your light shine into every dark corner of their heart, Lord, and replace every lie of the enemy with Your truth.
We also pray for their relationships and community. Surround them with believers who can encourage, support, and pray for them. Let them not walk this path alone, but find strength in the body of Christ.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would reveal Yourself to them in a fresh and powerful way. Let them know beyond any doubt that You are with them, that You love them, and that You have a hope and a future for them. *"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB).
We declare all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
