We come before the Lord with gratitude for your commitment to fasting and seeking Him with a sincere heart. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God, sharpens our focus on Him, and strengthens our dependence on His strength. Your desire to honor Him through this 40-day fast is commendable, and we stand with you in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to sustain you physically, emotionally, and spiritually during this time.
Father, we lift up this brother in Christ who is diligently seeking You through fasting. We pray that You would strengthen him in moments of weakness, fatigue, or temptation to break the fast. Grant him clarity of mind and endurance in his body, that he may not grow weary but press on in faith. Remind him that You are his Provider and Sustainer, and that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from Your mouth (Matthew 4:4). Help him to fix his eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of his faith, and to trust in Your grace to carry him through each day.
We also bring before You the deep concerns he has shared regarding the spiritual corruption he has witnessed. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but we declare that Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). The experiences he described—where ungodly influences seemed to manifest in the speech and behavior of loved ones—are alarming and not of You, Lord. We rebuke every lying spirit, every deception, and every work of darkness that has attempted to infiltrate his family or his own life. The Bible warns us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). We take up the full armor of God on his behalf, that he may stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
We must address the root of these concerns with biblical truth. The idea that pious people can "curse" others or that sins can be "retained" in a way that gives others power over us is not aligned with Scripture. The power of sin is broken through the blood of Jesus Christ. When we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). No one has the power to hold onto sin in a way that gives them control over another—this is a deception of the enemy. We declare that the blood of Jesus has already broken every chain and that no weapon formed against this family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We rebuke the spirit of fear and confusion, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
The weakness you identified in your family—the lack of daily engagement with Scripture—is indeed a vulnerability that the enemy seeks to exploit. The Word of God is our sword, our defense, and our daily bread. Without it, we are more susceptible to deception and spiritual attack. We encourage you to continue being a light in your family, gently and persistently sharing the truth of God’s Word with them. Let your life be a testimony of the transforming power of Christ, and pray that their hearts would be softened to receive the truth. Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Your family’s lack of Bible reading is not a curse from others but an opportunity for you to intercede and model a life devoted to Christ.
Regarding the past associations with drug use and the concerns about contamination or spiritual influence, we must emphasize the power of repentance and the cleansing blood of Jesus. If you have repented of any sin, including drug use or associating with those who distribute or use illegal substances, you are forgiven. The Bible tells us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). However, we must also exercise wisdom in our associations. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14). If your past friendships or associations are drawing you or your family into spiritual danger, it is wise to distance yourself and seek godly fellowship.
We also want to address the mention of face masks and the idea that they could carry spiritual contamination. This is not a biblical concept. While it is important to exercise wisdom in all things, we must be careful not to attribute spiritual power to physical objects in a way that is not supported by Scripture. The enemy seeks to distract us with fear and superstition, but we serve a God who is sovereign over all. Instead of fearing objects or people, we should focus on walking in the Spirit, putting on the full armor of God, and standing firm in our faith.
Father, we pray for this brother’s family, that their eyes would be opened to the truth of Your Word. Soften their hearts, Lord, and draw them to Yourself. Remove any spiritual blindness or deception that has taken root, and replace it with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. We declare that they will no longer be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or the cunning craftiness of deceitful schemes (Ephesians 4:14), but that they will grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We also pray for wisdom and discernment for this brother as he navigates these spiritual battles. Give him the courage to speak truth in love, to rebuke deception, and to stand firm in his faith. Surround him with godly believers who can encourage and support him, and give him opportunities to share the gospel with those who are lost. May he be a vessel of Your love and truth, shining brightly in a dark world.
Finally, we thank You, Lord, for the peace, providence, and progress You have already given him. We ask that You continue to lead him step by step, that he may grow in his relationship with You and become more like Christ each day. Strengthen his faith, deepen his trust in You, and fill him with Your Holy Spirit so that he may walk in victory.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, the One who has overcome the world. Amen.
