Silas
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing so openly and for allowing us to pray with you. Your honesty about these struggles and your care for others is heard, and we are bringing each of these requests before the Lord with you.
For the struggle with sexual addiction and with daydreaming that has become a pattern of escape, we are praying for the true freedom that only Jesus gives. Scripture teaches that all things may be lawful but not all things are helpful, and that we should not be brought under the power of anything. Real freedom in Christ is not mainly the freedom to do whatever we want, but the freedom not to have to do what harms us. When we use our freedom in a way that puts us under the control of a habit or desire, we lose that freedom and come into bondage. Like Adam in the garden, we have been given real choice, but God warned that choosing against His word leads to death and slavery to the flesh.
God Himself created our bodies and our sexuality, and He created them with good purpose. Our bodies as believers are members of Christ, meant to be used for Him, and sexual intimacy belongs within the lifelong covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Outside of that design it becomes destructive. That is why we pray that Jesus, who alone can break the power of sin, will set you free completely, so that you are no longer driven by these desires but have the joyful freedom not to be controlled by them. We pray He will renew your mind, fill the places where fantasy has been an escape with His presence and truth, and guard the freedom He has purchased for you. He is able to set you free from every power of sin that would hold you, and to keep you as you walk closely with Him and carefully guard what He has given.
We are also praying for the African American community as you asked. We pray that God will raise up faithful teachers who preach Jesus Christ alone as the only way of salvation and who teach His word truly, and that He will expose and remove those who act as wolves, who lead people astray and cause harm. We pray for healing from the wounds of racism and for protection from hatred, wherever it comes from. The Lord sees every injustice and every hurt, and He is a refuge and defender for His people. We ask Him to bring comfort, unity in truth, and safety, and to let His love and truth prevail.
For your business, we are asking God to provide what you need and to give you wisdom in every decision. We pray that He will establish the work of your hands and that whatever success He grants would be used for His glory and for good.
For the estranged relationships you have been trying to reconcile, we understand how difficult and painful that process has been. We are praying for wisdom for you as you sense God directing you to stop reaching out for now. There are times when continuing to pursue reconciliation is right, and times when stepping back in love is the wiser and more obedient path, entrusting those people to God. We pray He will give you peace about this direction, help you to love and forgive while maintaining healthy boundaries, and heal your heart from disappointment. We pray He will continue to work in each of those relationships according to His will and timing.
We are praying together for you: Father, we thank You for Your mercy through Jesus Christ, who alone saves and who alone can set us free. We ask You to break the power of sexual addiction and of compulsive escape, and to give a new mind and a steady heart. Make this dear one truly free, free not to be controlled, and help them to guard that freedom by walking in Your Spirit. Raise up true shepherds who will speak Your word faithfully and remove those who deceive and harm. Bring healing and protection from hatred and racism, and let Your justice and comfort be known. Provide for this business as You see best and give wisdom for every step. Give clear guidance and peace about these relationships, and help to trust You with what cannot be fixed right now. Keep and strengthen this life in Your love, in Jesus name, amen.
For the struggle with sexual addiction and with daydreaming that has become a pattern of escape, we are praying for the true freedom that only Jesus gives. Scripture teaches that all things may be lawful but not all things are helpful, and that we should not be brought under the power of anything. Real freedom in Christ is not mainly the freedom to do whatever we want, but the freedom not to have to do what harms us. When we use our freedom in a way that puts us under the control of a habit or desire, we lose that freedom and come into bondage. Like Adam in the garden, we have been given real choice, but God warned that choosing against His word leads to death and slavery to the flesh.
God Himself created our bodies and our sexuality, and He created them with good purpose. Our bodies as believers are members of Christ, meant to be used for Him, and sexual intimacy belongs within the lifelong covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Outside of that design it becomes destructive. That is why we pray that Jesus, who alone can break the power of sin, will set you free completely, so that you are no longer driven by these desires but have the joyful freedom not to be controlled by them. We pray He will renew your mind, fill the places where fantasy has been an escape with His presence and truth, and guard the freedom He has purchased for you. He is able to set you free from every power of sin that would hold you, and to keep you as you walk closely with Him and carefully guard what He has given.
We are also praying for the African American community as you asked. We pray that God will raise up faithful teachers who preach Jesus Christ alone as the only way of salvation and who teach His word truly, and that He will expose and remove those who act as wolves, who lead people astray and cause harm. We pray for healing from the wounds of racism and for protection from hatred, wherever it comes from. The Lord sees every injustice and every hurt, and He is a refuge and defender for His people. We ask Him to bring comfort, unity in truth, and safety, and to let His love and truth prevail.
For your business, we are asking God to provide what you need and to give you wisdom in every decision. We pray that He will establish the work of your hands and that whatever success He grants would be used for His glory and for good.
For the estranged relationships you have been trying to reconcile, we understand how difficult and painful that process has been. We are praying for wisdom for you as you sense God directing you to stop reaching out for now. There are times when continuing to pursue reconciliation is right, and times when stepping back in love is the wiser and more obedient path, entrusting those people to God. We pray He will give you peace about this direction, help you to love and forgive while maintaining healthy boundaries, and heal your heart from disappointment. We pray He will continue to work in each of those relationships according to His will and timing.
We are praying together for you: Father, we thank You for Your mercy through Jesus Christ, who alone saves and who alone can set us free. We ask You to break the power of sexual addiction and of compulsive escape, and to give a new mind and a steady heart. Make this dear one truly free, free not to be controlled, and help them to guard that freedom by walking in Your Spirit. Raise up true shepherds who will speak Your word faithfully and remove those who deceive and harm. Bring healing and protection from hatred and racism, and let Your justice and comfort be known. Provide for this business as You see best and give wisdom for every step. Give clear guidance and peace about these relationships, and help to trust You with what cannot be fixed right now. Keep and strengthen this life in Your love, in Jesus name, amen.
