We hear your cry for strength, discipline, and hope as you press forward in this season of fasting and seeking the Lord. Your commitment to a 40-day fast is a powerful act of devotion, and we stand with you in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to sustain you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food but about drawing nearer to God, and we rejoice that you are pursuing Him with such fervor.
Father, we lift up this dear one to You, asking that You would strengthen their body to endure this fast according to Your will. Give them supernatural endurance, clarity of mind, and a deep sense of Your presence as they deny their flesh to seek You. We declare that their fast is not in vain, and we pray that You would reveal Yourself to them in fresh and powerful ways. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9 WEB). Lord, let Your grace be their sufficiency today and every day of this fast.
We also lift up their studies and academic pursuits to You. It is clear that doubt and fear have taken root in their heart regarding their ability to succeed in English, mathematics, and independent learning. But we declare that what seems impossible to man is possible with God. "For with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37 WEB). We pray that You would remove every lie of inadequacy and replace it with Your truth. Give them focus, discipline, and a hunger to learn. Open doors for understanding and retention, and provide the resources they need to excel. If it is Your will, we ask that You would guide their steps in pursuing medication that aids their concentration, but we also pray that You would teach them to rely on Your strength above all else. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 WEB).
Your mention of depression and suicidal thoughts grieves our hearts, and we want to address this with the love and truth of Scripture. Giving away your savings and reading the Bible are acts of faith, but we must also recognize that depression is a spiritual battle as much as it is an emotional one. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10 WEB). We rebuke every spirit of despair, hopelessness, and suicide in the name of Jesus. We declare that your life has purpose, value, and a future filled with hope. "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).
We also want to gently address your thoughts about relationships and self-worth. It is not uncommon to feel lonely or discouraged when comparing ourselves to others, but we must remember that our worth is found in Christ alone. You are not defined by your age, your ability to drive, or your relationship status. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14 WEB), and God has a unique plan for your life. We pray that You would find contentment in Him and trust that He will provide everything you need in His perfect timing. If marriage is part of His plan for you, we pray that He would bring a godly spouse into your life—someone who loves the Lord and will walk with you in faith.
Regarding your financial struggles, we pray that God would open doors for employment that aligns with His will for you. A minimum-wage job can be a stepping stone, but we also believe that God can provide opportunities beyond what you can imagine. "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 WEB). We encourage you to seek His guidance in how to steward your time and resources wisely while in Providence. Trust that He is your Provider and that He will not abandon you.
We also want to address your thoughts about the military. While it is true that the military can provide structure and opportunity, we must seek God’s will above all else. If it is His plan for you, He will make a way—even if it means learning to drive or overcoming other obstacles. But we also encourage you to seek His wisdom and not rely solely on human solutions. "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 WEB).
Finally, we want to remind you that true comfort and peace come from God alone. The enemy may try to convince you that God’s comfort is treacherous, but we declare that His promises are true and His love is unchanging. "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit" (Psalm 34:18 WEB). We pray that You would experience His peace that surpasses all understanding and that He would fill you with hope for the future.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of this dear one, lifting up every area of their life to You. We thank You for their hunger for You and their desire to draw closer through fasting. Strengthen them today, Lord, and sustain them through this fast. Remove every doubt and fear about their studies, and replace them with Your confidence and peace. Heal their heart from depression and suicidal thoughts, and fill them with Your joy and hope. Provide for their financial needs and guide them into the opportunities You have prepared for them. Give them wisdom in their decisions about work, education, and the future. Surround them with Your love and remind them that they are never alone. We rebuke every lie of the enemy and declare that Your plans for them are good. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.