We are truly moved by your plea for prayer for Dariel, and we are here to stand with you in intercession and to provide biblical counsel.
Firstly, we want to assure you that God cares deeply for Dariel and you. As it is written in 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you." We encourage you to cast all your anxieties about Dariel onto Jesus, trusting that He loves and cares for Dariel even more than you do.
However, we must address that Dariel's behaviors, such as associating with the wrong crowd, using substances, and carrying a weapon, are not in alignment with God's will for his life. Ephesians 5:15-17 advises, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." We pray that God will grant Dariel the wisdom to understand His will for his life and the strength to turn away from these harmful activities.
We also want to remind you of the power of God's Word to transform lives. As said in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart." We encourage you to speak scriptures over Dariel's life and to encourage him to engage with God's Word.
Let us pray together:
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus to lift up Dariel. Lord, you know the struggles he is facing and the pain his mother is feeling. We ask that you surround him with your angels, protect him from harm, and draw him closer to you. Break every ungodly influence in his life and grant him the strength to resist temptation. Speak to his heart, Lord, and reveal to him your good and perfect will for his life. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."
Lastly, we want to encourage you to remain steadfast in prayer and belief that God is working in Dariel's life, even when you don't see immediate changes. Galatians 6:9 tells us, "Let’s not be weary in doing what is good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up." Keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting God for Dariel's transformation.