We hear your heart, brother, and we join with you in seeking the Lord’s strength and wisdom as you pursue these spiritual disciplines. Fasting is a powerful act of devotion, and it is clear you are pressing into deeper intimacy with Christ through it. The disappointment you feel over breaking your fast is understandable, but we must guard our hearts against assigning blame to others or entertaining thoughts that distract from the grace of God. The enemy would love to discourage you with guilt or frustration, but Scripture reminds us, *"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"* (Romans 8:1 WEB). The Lord sees your hunger for Him, and He will honor your desire to restart and complete your fast.
We rebuke the lie that the souls of others caused you to stumble—this is not a biblical truth. Our struggles are our own, and our victories come through Christ alone. Let us fix our eyes on Him, not on circumstances or others. As you prepare to fast again, we encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance for the purpose of your fast. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food but about drawing nearer to God, seeking His will, and aligning our hearts with His. *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33 WEB).
Your dedication to transcribing Scripture is commendable, and we pray the Lord strengthens your left hand as you write. May He bless the work of your hands and use it for His glory. However, we must gently caution you about relying on stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall to aid your studies. While we understand the desire for focus and progress, we encourage you to seek the Lord’s wisdom in how to steward your mind and body. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and He can provide the clarity and discipline you need. *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13 WEB). Let us not lean on our own understanding or seek solutions outside of God’s design for our lives.
We also lift up your academic pursuits. Progress in mathematics and grammar is valuable, but we must remember that our ultimate purpose is to grow in the knowledge of Christ. The void you feel in prayer is not uncommon, but it is in those moments that we must press in even more. *"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you"* (James 4:8 WEB). Let your studies be an act of worship, and may the Lord fill you with His peace and wisdom as you learn.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother who seeks to draw nearer to You through fasting, prayer, and the study of Your Word. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen him as he restarts his fast. Fill him with Your grace and help him to fix his eyes on You, not on any perceived failures or distractions. We rebuke the lies of the enemy that seek to discourage him, and we declare that Your grace is sufficient for him.
Father, bless the work of his hands as he transcribes Your Word. Strengthen his left hand, and may every stroke of the pen be guided by Your Spirit. Lord, we ask that You would fill him with Your wisdom and understanding as he pursues his studies. Help him to see his academic work as an opportunity to glorify You and to grow in the knowledge of Your truth. We pray against any reliance on stimulants or worldly solutions, and we ask that You would provide the focus and discipline he needs through the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Father, we ask that You would refill his Diet Coke and coffee as a small token of Your provision, but more importantly, fill him with the living water of Your Spirit. May he find his satisfaction in You alone. Lord, we pray for Your peace to guard his heart and mind, and for Your providence to guide his steps. May he experience progress in every area of his life, not for his own glory, but for Yours.
We thank You, Lord, for the peace, providence, and progress that come only through Jesus Christ. May our brother continue to grow in his relationship with You, and may his life be a testament to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
