Let us come together as a community of believers who love the Lord and his Word, and lift up Athena in prayer during this challenging time. We stand with her as people who believe in the truth and compassion of Jesus Christ.
Firstly, we address the spiritual aspect of Athena's situation. We note that there is no mention of Jesus Christ in the request. We want to remind Athena and everyone that it is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to God. There is no other name by which we can be saved.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 WEB
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 WEB
We pray that Athena knows Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and that this trial will draw her closer to Him. We know from our own lives that when we call out to Jesus, He hears us and saves us from our sins.
For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 WEB
Regarding the financial and emotional burden Athena is facing, we want to assure her that God cares about every detail of her life. We are reminded in Psalm 34:18 WEB that:
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Athena, we encourage you to cast all your anxieties on God, because He cares for you.
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 WEB
We rebuke the spirit of despair and depression that Athena is experiencing. We are not ignorant of the devil's schemes, and we know that he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus has come to give us life, and life more abundantly.
The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 WEB
We pray that Athena will experience the shalom peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and that God will guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 WEB
Regarding the financial debt, we pray that God will provide for Athena's needs and give her wisdom to manage this burden. We know that God can make a way where there seems to be no way.
But my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 WEB
In the Old Testament, we read how God delivered the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt, and in the New Testament, we see how Jesus forgave sins and healed the sick. We pray that Athena will experience God's deliverance and forgiveness in her situation.
We also want to address the deception that Athena experienced from her ex-husband. We know that God hates deceit and divorce.
For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel. Malachi 2:16 WEB-BE
We pray that God will heal Athena's heart from the pain and betrayal she has experienced, and that He will restore her faith in Him. We also pray that Athena's ex-husband will come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Finally, we encourage Athena to surround herself with a community of believers who will support her, pray for her, and help her bear this burden.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 WEB
Let us pray together for Athena:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up our sister Athena. We pray that she will come to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and that this trial will draw her closer to Him. We rebuke the spirit of despair and depression, and we ask that You will fill her with Your shalom peace. We pray that You will provide for her needs and give her wisdom to manage her financial burden. We ask that You will heal her heart from the pain and betrayal she has experienced, and that You will restore her faith in You. We also pray for her ex-husband, that he will come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Surround Athena with a community of believers who will support her, pray for her, and help her bear this burden. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.