prayer and fasting for mental illness

Post by **_Anonymous** » Sun May 15, 2005 4:19 pm

when I was saved many years ago I had a miracle conversion,
I had a mental illness (undiagnosed) and hid it well as I was in a good job.
I blamed my illness on my family mainly.

question;

I still battle mental instability at times.
Would the scripture about prayer/fasting
be something I should do? This only comes out through prayer/fasting
Please pray for me because I love the Lord and appear normal but I am
not............ For me life is a struggle sometimes with this affliction.

thank you.

Post by **_Steve** » Sun May 15, 2005 7:14 pm

Dear Friend of God,

It is hard to know just what to say without knowing more about the nature of the ailment. I do believe that prayer and fasting may have a beneficial effect on your condition, although, if this does happen, it is God Himself, rather than the disciplines that I would be inclined to give credit for the recovery.

God doesn't always do the same thing with everyone, but by way of encouragement, I knew a guy in high school who was crazy from too much LSD use. They called him "Crazy Eddie." He got saved and began reading and meditating on scripture. In particular, he memorized a large portion of Proverbs, and deliberately set about to apply their wisdom to everyday life. He soon became quite "sane" and wise, too. I always saw his case as an example of the power of the Word of God to heal the mind.

There may be physiological factors in your case, or spititual ones merely. I am afraid it would seem irresponsible for me to give a glib, one-size-fits-all answer to your question, given my lack of familiarity with the details.

I am sure many here will be praying for you. God bless you.

Post by **_Anonymous** » Mon May 16, 2005 1:08 pm

Thank you Steve for your kind answer. So what comes only out by prayer and fasting? I relinquish all to God but if I am missing something I want to know.
I heard someone say that if he doesn't spend 2 hrs in prayer daily the devil gets the victory.......An old wise servant of God but I can't remember who!
Thank you for your prayers.

Post by **_Bud** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:47 pm

Dear Friend of God,

I am praying for you. Have you seen Steves' teaching about fasting in the
Christian Living/Ethics Forum section?

I too have a problem that may be similar or comparable to yours.
Currently I am meditating on:

ISAIAH 49:25

Thus says the Lord, even the captives shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible will be delivered, for I will contend with him who contends with you. And I will save your children.

Also:
Galations 4:27
Joshua 1:9

May the Peace of God be upon you,

A Brother In Christ,

Bud

Post by **_Anonymous** » Tue May 17, 2005 6:42 pm

HI Bud,

How thoughtful of you to share and also give me scriptures..... I will stand on the fact that God will save our children as I have a prodigal. That has brought me much stress and anxiety along with the guilt that because I am a christian I should be "normal".... I have a Dr. appt. to check on thyroid but I am careful with diet.

I am praying for you too and thanks for your prayers.

Post by **_Anonymous** » Mon May 23, 2005 10:16 pm

Keep on knocking and asking the Lord for healing both mental and
physical. He is the great physican! Ask christians for prayer
get anointed with oil and keep seeking healing... Eat a diet rich in healthy foods and get some exercise if you can. I am praying for you and believe
as you pray according to James and wait for the Lord's perfect timing.
He will be faithful though the journey is never easy he will sustain you.
Let the weak say I am strong and the poor say I am rich.

Blessings in Jesus name

Post by **_Randall** » Tue May 24, 2005 11:10 pm

Since you already got the right advice, with love, from Steve, and helpful messages from others,here's my two cents worth from someone who fails miserably in any test on the Spiritual Gift of Mercy.

Worry about nothing. Make good decisions, by adding up the plus & minus points, always making sure that what you choose is in the moral will of God. On top of that, seek joy and give praise to God every day. I pray that you have someone that will help you do that.

I think you can have much comfort from the forth chapter of Philippians, starting at verse six, which I believe is a command from the Lord:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

And then verse seven I believe is a promise from God:

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Friend of God, know that many saints are praying for you, and we know that God collects those prayers.

Post by **_Anonymous** » Wed May 25, 2005 9:34 am

Hi Randall,

I think you rate high on mercy and I receive your post... Thank you
Prayer is powerful and God knows each hair on my head they are all numbered.