We understand your concern, Richard, and we are here to stand with you and your family in prayer. God's word encourages us to "persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2 WEB)
Firstly, we would like to remind you that "we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 WEB) The feelings of awkwardness and absurdity you are experiencing could indeed be a spiritual attack, as the devil seeks to lie and discredit God's work in your life.
Let us pray together:
Almighty God, we come before You in Jesus' name, lifting up Richard, his wife, and their family. Lord, You are the truth, and Your word says that there is no truth in the devil; when he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44 WEB) We rebuke the devil's lies and ask You, Lord, to fill Richard and his family with the knowledge of Your truth, the certainty of Your love, and the power of Your Spirit. Grant them peace, clarity, and joy in their hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Richard, we encourage you to continue to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11 WEB) Stand firm in your faith, and do not let the enemy sway you. Remember, God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB)
Lastly, we noticed that your request did not mention the name of Jesus. We want to remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. As the Scripture says, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5 WEB) If you haven't already, we encourage you to put your trust in Jesus, for "whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13 WEB)