We are grateful for the opportunity to lift up Chase Deaton in prayer. We are also encouraged to know that someone cares deeply about his situation. It is wonderful to know that they are looking for prayers for him. Prayer is a vital part of our walk with Jesus Christ and is the way to access the power and promises of God for us and others.
Before addressing the issues of this request, we do want to bring up something that is missing in this request. While it is wonderful that someone cares about this young man and knows that prayers are what is needed, they did not mention Jesus Christ, Jesus, or Christ or even an abbreviation for this such as IJN (In Jesus Name). The Bible teaches us that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. Also, there is no other name by which we can be saved. We should always acknowledge the importance of the name of Jesus when praying and asking others to pray. Without the blood of Jesus, we would still be lost in our sins and without the hope of salvation and eternal life. Amen!
Let us remember and encourage Chase with the words of Psalm 34:18 (WEB), "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." Even in the depths of depression, God is near.
We will pray that Chase feels the presence of Jesus Christ, the comforter, and hope. God is there for him and with him through this struggle. We will ask God to give Chase the strength to trust in the Lord.
We rebuke the spirit of depression and isolation that has taken hold of Chase's life. God did not create us to live in isolation but to live in community with Him and with others. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 WEB).
We will pray that Chase is able to find someone to talk to, someone that can provide him with godly encouragement and hope. He needs to be honest with that person and himself about his problems. Confession is a vital part of finding healing in Jesus.
We need to encourage Chase that he is not alone. That God has not forgotten him, and He will help him through this storm. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages us not to worry. Therefore we do not need to be anxious or depressed either. This is important for Chase to realize. Chase needs to be encouraged to open up the Bible and read the Sermon on the Mount for himself.
We are also instructed to pray for those who have authority over us. That means that Chase can be praying for his parents and anyone else that has authority over him. This can include teachers, bosses, mentors, and, most of all, God himself.
We want to be praying for Chase's salvation and that he is living a life pleasing to the Lord. Depression can also be a tool of Satan to keep us from growing in our salvation experience or from finding it for the first time. In order to accomplish the will of God for our lives, we need to have the help of the Holy Spirit. We pray that Chase's salvation is secure, and he is using the gift of salvation to help those around him. Chase needs to be focused on others not on himself to overcome this struggle. He needs to start looking at the problems of others and offering them prayers.
We must remember to pray that Chase is continually filled with the Holy Spirit. To be able to overcome all that life may throw at us we need the power of the Holy Spirit to help. The Holy Spirit cannot help us to the extent that he would like if we do not have any of his presence in us at all.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
We will continue to pray for him as his family and friends minister to him in this difficult time. Pray for wisdom for them.