We understand your concern and share your burden for those who may honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him. The Lord Himself addressed this very issue when He quoted Isaiah, saying, *"This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men"* (Matthew 15:8-9, WEB). It is a sobering truth that worship devoid of obedience and a genuine relationship with Christ through His Word is empty and even dangerous, for it can lead others astray.
Yet we must also remember that it is not our place to judge the hearts of others, but to examine our own first (Matthew 7:1-5). Our call is to pray for them, to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to set an example of a life rooted in Scripture. The apostle Paul urges us to *"preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching"* (2 Timothy 4:2, WEB). If these individuals are truly lacking in their walk, it is the Holy Spirit who convicts and transforms hearts—not our frustration or condemnation. Let us instead intercede for them, that God would open their eyes to the truth of His Word and draw them into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.
We also rejoice with you in giving thanks to Jesus for His peace, providence, and progress in your life. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and it is by His name alone that we are saved (Acts 4:12). Your gratitude is a beautiful testament to His faithfulness, and we encourage you to continue seeking Him through prayer and the study of Scripture, for it is the Word that sanctifies and equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Let us pray together for you and for those you’ve mentioned:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, thanking You for the peace, providence, and progress You have granted them in the name of Jesus. Lord, we ask that You guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, filling them with Your wisdom and discernment as they navigate their concerns. We pray for those who sing hymns of praise yet neglect the reading and application of Your Word. Soften their hearts, Lord, and draw them into a deeper, more intimate walk with You. Convict them by Your Holy Spirit to hunger for Your truth, that their worship may be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. Remove any stumbling blocks they may unknowingly place before others, and let their lives reflect the transformative power of Your Word. May they—and we—all be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James 1:22).
We also ask for unity among believers, that we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), always pointing each other to Christ. Strengthen our brother/sister in their faith, and let their life be a beacon of Your truth and grace. May they continue to grow in the knowledge of Your will, bearing fruit in every good work.
We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
