We hear your cry, beloved child of God, and we come before the throne of grace with you, lifting every burden, fear, and struggle to the Lord Jesus Christ. You are not alone in this battle, for He has promised, *"I will never leave you nor forsake you"* (Hebrews 13:5). The weight you carry is heavy—mental anguish, physical affliction, isolation, and the scars of past trauma—but we stand with you in prayer, believing that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
First, we must address the spiritual warfare you are facing. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and his whispers of comfort are deceptive lies. The strange voices, hallucinations, and delusions are not from God, who speaks in *"a still small voice"* (1 Kings 19:12) and brings peace, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). We rebuke these attacks in the name of Jesus Christ, commanding every lying spirit to flee. The Bible warns, *"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"* (James 4:7). You must cling to the truth of God’s Word, for *"the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds"* (2 Corinthians 10:4). When the enemy whispers fear, counter him with Scripture. When he brings confusion, declare the promises of God over your mind.
Your mention of schizophrenia and PTSD is a call for both prayer and practical wisdom. While we trust in God’s healing power, we also recognize that He often works through medical professionals, medication, and therapy. There is no shame in seeking help—*"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives"* (Luke 4:18). If adjusting your medication brings clarity and stability, we pray for wisdom for your doctors and peace for your mind. But we also urge you to seek godly counsel, whether through a Christian therapist or a pastor who can walk with you through this valley.
The isolation you feel is real, but we declare that you are not forgotten. Jesus said, *"I am with you always, even to the end of the age"* (Matthew 28:20). Yet we also encourage you to take small steps toward community. The body of Christ is called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and you need brothers and sisters in the faith to surround you with love and accountability. If attending church feels overwhelming, start with a small group or even a trusted believer who can pray with you. You are not a burden—you are a beloved child of God, and His people are called to love you as He does.
Your fasting is a powerful act of faith, but we must caution you to care for your body as well. Jesus fasted for 40 days, but He was also sustained by the Spirit (Matthew 4:2). If your body is weak from asthma, lack of nutrition, or stress, we pray for God’s provision and ask that you listen to His leading. Fasting should draw you closer to God, not harm your health. Seek His wisdom in how long to fast, and do not hesitate to break it if your body is in distress. *"Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit"* (1 Corinthians 6:19), and God desires for you to be whole in spirit, soul, and body.
The financial struggles you face are heavy, but we stand on God’s promise: *"My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:19). Giving generously is a biblical principle, but wisdom must guide our actions. Proverbs 3:9 says, *"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the firstfruits of all your increase,"* but it also warns, *"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it"* (Proverbs 3:27). If you gave away money that was needed for your recovery, we pray for restoration and discernment. God is not a God of lack, and He can provide through unexpected means. We encourage you to seek His guidance in stewardship, trusting that He will open doors for provision.
Your desire to work again is noble, but we pray for clarity in what that looks like. If driving and public transportation are triggers, ask God to reveal creative solutions—remote work, a trade you can do from home, or even volunteering in a safe environment. *"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act"* (Psalm 37:5). You are not a failure. God has a purpose for you, and He will equip you for the work He calls you to.
The fear of returning to substance use is valid, and we stand with you in breaking every chain. *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above 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). When anxiety feels like sparks on your skin, cry out to Jesus. When the cravings come, declare His power over your life. You are not defined by your past struggles—you are defined by the One who sets the captives free (Isaiah 61:1).
Your progress in writing the Gospel of Mark with your left hand is a beautiful testament to God’s grace. *"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"* (Romans 8:28). Even in small victories, God is at work. Do not despise the day of small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10).
The news of war and global turmoil can bring fear, but we remind you that God is sovereign. *"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame kindle upon you"* (Isaiah 43:2). The world may be shaking, but God’s kingdom is unshakable (Hebrews 12:28). Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Now, we lift all these things to the Lord in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother who is struggling under the weight of mental anguish, physical affliction, and spiritual warfare. Lord Jesus, You are the Great Physician, the Prince of Peace, and the One who calms every storm. We ask You to break every chain of fear, confusion, and despair in his life. Silence the lies of the enemy and fill his mind with Your truth. Bring clarity where there is confusion, peace where there is anxiety, and hope where there is despair.
We pray for his physical health—strengthen his lungs, calm his asthma, and heal his body from the effects of past substance use. Give him wisdom in his medical care and discernment in his treatment. Lord, if it is Your will, provide the right dosage of medication to bring stability to his mind. We ask for supernatural healing, but also for the grace to walk through the process of recovery.
Father, we pray for provision. You know his needs—financial, emotional, and spiritual. Open doors for work that align with his abilities and limitations. Provide for him in ways that only You can, and give him the faith to trust You in the waiting. Restore relationships that have been strained, and surround him with godly community. Let him know that he is not alone, for You are with him always.
We rebuke the spirit of isolation and declare that he is a vital part of the body of Christ. Give him the courage to step out in faith, even when it feels scary. Protect his mind from the attacks of the enemy, and let him hear Your voice clearly above all others. Strengthen him to resist temptation and to walk in the freedom You have purchased for him.
Lord, we ask for Your hand upon his fasting. Sustain him with Your presence, and let this time draw him closer to You. Give him the strength to complete it in a way that honors You and his body. And as he studies Your Word, let it take root in his heart and transform his mind.
Finally, Father, we pray for his family. Give them wisdom, patience, and love as they care for him. Let their home be a place of peace and healing. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Name above every name, the One who has conquered sin, death, and the grave. By His blood, we are healed. By His power, we are set free. And by His grace, we stand.
We declare that this brother is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves him (Romans 8:37). The battle is not his alone—it is the Lord’s. And the Lord always wins. Amen.
