7 Prayers to Pray When Someone You Know Is Struggling with Sin
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He goes through and single handedly closes the door to every avenue of self-will that we could desire. He calls us to give up our power in relationships, give up wanting to look spiritual, give up finding our identity in our own righteousness, give up on finding security in money, and give up on human power and glory. Then He tells us that instead of using our insights into other people’s issues as a spiritual hammer, Jesus wants us to take those insights and deepen our own repentance.
In conclusion to all this, Paul E. Miller writes, “Having closed all your doors, Jesus opens the door to prayer and tells you how he gets things done. (See Matthew 7:7) He asks for help from his Father. He talks to his Father and tells him what he wants. Prayer is the positive side of the surrendered will…You begin to remain in him…to abide.” (Pg. 141 of A Praying Life)
1. “Father, I know that I’ve spent much more time this week focused on the sins of ____________ than on my own. Forgive me. Show me my sin that I may confess it and turn from it. Use the revelation of their sin, to show me my own sin, not as a means to feel superior but humble.” Based on Matthew 7:7
2. “Lord, lead ___________ to flee from youthful lusts; teach him/her to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Based on 2 Timothy 2:22
3. “Father, teach ____________ to walk by the Spirit, and so they will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Based on Galatians 5:16
4. “Father, I cry out aloud to you on behalf of ____________, you will hear me. In the day of their trouble may they seek you, in the night may their hand be stretched out with wearying; and their soul refuse to be comforted until you have delivered them.
I am so troubled I cannot speak. Will you spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has your steadfast love for ____________ forever ceased? Are your promises at an end for all time? Have you forgotten to be gracious? Have you in anger shut up your compassion?
I appeal to the years of your right hand, the right hand of the Most High.
Instead of focusing on _______________ sin, I will remember the deeds of the Lord; Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all of your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.
When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water: the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters: yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a clock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. So now lead _____________ out of bondage to this sin.” - Based on Psalm 77
5. “God, may ______________ delight themselves in you, for you will give them the desires of their heart.” – Based on Psalm 31:4
6. “God, I am afraid that _______________ is enslaved to sin. Please deliver them. I can’t deliver them, only You can. Do it Lord. Do it for the sake of Your name. Make Your name great in their mouth for Your deliverance from their hidden sin.” – A result of 1 Peter 5:7
7. “Lord, I’ve caught _________________ in their sin. Help me to restore a spirit of gentleness. Protect me Father, lest I too be tempted.” – Based on Galatians 6:1
Persevere, by God’s strength alone, Joey Turner Student Ministry Pastor