Author: Editor

Welcome to The Sisterhood Hub! The Hub is where I share insights, resources, and reflections that have deepened my faith and strengthened my Christian walk. My hope is that you find encouragement and inspiration, be uplifted and challenged as you navigate your own journey. The Hub is dedicated to empowering women to embrace their God-given identity, rooted in the love, grace, mercy, truth and sacrifice of our Lord, Saviour, and soon-coming King, Jesus Christ. May this be a source of strength and renewal, fostering your self-worth and guiding you to live out your faith authentically. Together, let us walk confidently in our callings, trusting God every step of the way. May our lives reflect humility, integrity, and reverence for Him, as the Holy Spirit leads us to live fruitfully for His glory. The mission is to parade God’s love by sharing the gospel, writing, engaging in outreach and missionary work, distributing Christian resources, and serving communities both locally and internationally—as a pro-life advocate, committed to the sanctity of life from the womb to the tomb and beyond the grave, in both the physical and spiritual realms, as every life matters. Blessings, Lori 💕

Stonewalling: The Art of Smokescreen

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Why Stonewalling Is Harmful and Manipulative

Stonewalling is more than just giving someone “the silent treatment.” In this day and age, it has become a calculated and harmful tactic used not only by individuals but also by media, governments, and other institutions, undermining healthy communication and relationships. While some people may disengage temporarily to process emotions, stonewalling as a control mechanism is a deliberate act designed to silence a person and a people, frustrating or demeaning them in the process. When employed systematically, it becomes a tool of manipulation and, arguably, a form of psychological abuse.

What Is Stonewalling?

Stonewalling occurs when someone refuses to engage in meaningful communication. Instead of addressing a concern or issue, they shut down the conversation, leaving the other party feeling unheard, invalidated, and often helpless. When paired with gaslighting—a tactic where someone denies or distorts the truth to make you doubt your perception—it becomes even more damaging. Victims of this behavior might be told:

• “You’re overreacting.”

• “You’re putting words in my mouth.”

• “That didn’t happen.”

These responses can make you question your feelings, your memory, and even your sense of reality.

Common Stonewalling Tactics

Stonewalling isn’t limited to silence. It manifests in a variety of behaviors that signal an unwillingness to engage, including:

• Abruptly stopping responses: They may cut off mid-conversation, refusing to acknowledge your words.

• Turning away: Physically turning their body or looking away as if to dismiss you.

• Feigning busyness: Pretending to be occupied with something else to avoid the conversation.

• Avoiding questions: Refusing to give direct answers or dodging accountability.

• Interrupting: Preventing you from completing your thoughts or sentences.

• Repetition: Using dismissive or one-word replies like “fine” or “okay” no matter what you say.

• Declaring the conversation “over”: Abruptly ending discussions without resolution.

• Ignoring outright: Acting as though they don’t hear you, treating you as invisible.

• Deflecting blame: Turning the issue back on you instead of taking responsibility.

• Walking away: Leaving without indication of when—or if—they’ll return.

• Ghosting: Ignoring texts, calls, or other communication entirely.

Additionally, stonewallers often employ “word salad”—rambling, incoherent, or evasive speech that avoids addressing the real issue. They may talk over someone to prevent them from expressing the truth, deliberately take statements out of context, or spin the conversation in a way that stirs division, fear, and mistrust. These tactics are frequently used by manipulative individuals, but they are also employed by institutions like the media and politicians to silence dissent or control narratives.

All these behaviors signal a disregard for the other person’s thoughts and feelings, often leaving the victim feeling isolated and powerless.

Stonewalling Beyond Personal Relationships

While stonewalling is most commonly discussed in personal relationships, it is a tactic increasingly used in broader societal and political contexts. Governments, organizations, and ideological groups have been observed using stonewalling to silence dissent, avoid accountability, and maintain control.

When governments engage in stonewalling, it is particularly harmful, as it undermines trust and accountability. Citizens often find their voices dismissed or ignored, with governments deploying these tactics to sidestep responsibility and evade questions.

For example:

• Avoiding transparency: Officials may refuse to provide clear answers or respond to legitimate public concerns.

• Deflecting blame: Shifting responsibility to others rather than addressing systemic issues.

• Ignoring demands for accountability: Stonewalling inquiries from citizens, journalists, or watchdog groups.

• Labelling dissent as extreme or irrelevant: Marginalizing opposition by dismissing it as unworthy of engagement.

• Silencing criticism: Using censorship, regulatory barriers, or social pressure to stifle opposing voices.

This deliberate refusal to engage creates frustration, confusion, and mistrust, ultimately alienating the very people the government is supposed to serve. When combined with misrepresentation, sensationalism, or fearmongering by media outlets, this behavior becomes a powerful tool of division and control, further eroding public trust.

Signs You’re Experiencing Stonewalling

If you suspect you’re being stonewalled—whether in a relationship, workplace, or community—check in with yourself. Ask:

• Do I feel heard and understood?

• Do I hesitate to voice concerns for fear of punishment or conflict?

• Am I holding back because I’m afraid the other person won’t listen or will escalate the situation?

• Do I feel like I constantly need to convince or “win over” the other person?

If the answer is “yes” to any of these, you might be dealing with stonewalling.

Why Stonewalling Is “Satanic”

Some may describe stonewalling as “satanic” because it embodies traits often associated with deceit, manipulation, and oppression. It fosters division, breeds confusion, and undermines trust and understanding—essentially creating chaos where there could be harmony. In personal relationships, this destruction of connection and mutual respect is devastating. When used by governments or institutions, it becomes a weapon of control that erodes freedom, trust, and democracy.

Stonewalling denies the humanity of the person being silenced, treating them as though their thoughts, feelings, and existence are insignificant. This is why many view it as fundamentally immoral and harmful—a tactic that perpetuates harm and isolates individuals or entire communities.

How to Address Stonewalling

Whether in personal relationships, social settings, or government interactions, combating stonewalling requires courage, clarity, and boundaries:

• Acknowledge it: Recognize when stonewalling is happening and name it for what it is.

• Set boundaries: Clearly communicate that such behavior is unacceptable and enforce consequences if necessary.

• Seek support: Turn to trusted friends, family, or professionals for guidance and affirmation.

• Engage with others who listen: Focus your energy on constructive conversations and relationships.

At a societal level, addressing stonewalling means encouraging accountability, transparency, and open dialogue from governments, organizations, and leaders. Christians are called to engage society in ways that reflect Christ’s example of truth, justice, and love. The prophetic voices of Isaiah and Amos offer biblical examples of standing against corruption and oppression, while Jesus Himself confronted societal hypocrisy and lifted up the marginalized. However, He did so with humility, wisdom, and a focus on personal transformation, not through rebellion or force.

The Bible instructs Christians to respect governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), yet it also prioritizes obedience to God over human authority (Acts 5:29). This balance calls believers to thoughtfully address injustice, always pursuing peace and righteousness. Advocacy for justice—when conducted with humility and integrity—aligns with Jesus’ teaching to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16).

While peaceful protests, petitions, or dialogue may serve as tools to challenge injustice, these actions must reflect Christ’s spirit of love, not division. True engagement happens when believers focus on sharing truth with grace and trust in God’s power to bring change. In Matthew 10:14, Jesus advised His disciples to leave those who rejected the message, emphasizing that Christians are not called to force dialogue or resolution but to faithfully stand in truth and peace.

When dealing with stonewalling—whether in relationships, workplaces, or societal issues—Christians should:

• Recognise the Signs of Manipulation: Understand when someone is purposefully evading responsibility or avoiding meaningful dialogue.

• Pursue Peace, But Set Boundaries: Seek reconciliation and peace where possible, but do not enable abusive behavior or passively submit to those who use tactics like stonewalling to control or silence others.

• Call Out Wrongdoing: Jesus did not hesitate to call out injustice or hypocrisy. As His followers, we are called to stand firm for truth and righteousness, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

• Shake the Dust Off: If someone consistently refuses to engage in honest dialogue, it may be necessary to walk away from the situation, not out of bitterness, but to avoid being complicit in their manipulation or deceit.

By doing so, Christians can foster healthy, respectful relationships without tolerating harmful or controlling behaviors. We must always strive for peace, but also stand firm in our commitment to truth, justice, and the integrity of our faith.

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*** Photo by Jiarong Deng at Pexels

Surviving the Woke Madness

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In today’s world, many feel that society is shifting in alarming and unsettling ways. What began as a movement to address injustices has spiraled into what many call “woke madness”—a culture that prioritizes ideology over truth, silences dissent, and disregards the concerns of the majority. This challenge is not exclusive to Christians; it affects everyone who values fairness, safety, and freedom of speech. For Christians, these cultural shifts demand a thoughtful response rooted in biblical truth, love, and courage. By standing firm in faith and addressing these issues with clarity, we can offer hope to a world increasingly confused by competing ideologies and suppressed truths.

Pandering to the Minority

One of the most glaring issues in today’s cultural climate is the way society often bends over backward to affirm the demands of a vocal minority, frequently at the expense of the majority of the people, disregarding their needs, feelings, thoughts, identity, values and inherent dignity, bullying them into submission. While Christians are called to care for the marginalized (Micah 6:8), this does not mean affirming every belief or action, especially when it conflicts with truth or violates others’ rights. Take, for example, the growing insistence that women accept biological men in their private spaces, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams. This compromises women’s safety, privacy, and dignity, while dismissing their legitimate concerns. Adding insult to injury, women are now being rebranded as “cisgender,” a term many find demeaning and erasing. This kind of pandering ignores the rights, feelings, and safety of the majority, forcing them to affirm ideologies they may deeply disagree with. The audacity of such demands is not only unfair but a direct attack on freedom of thought and conscience. As Christians, we affirm that all people are equal in the eyes of God, deserving of dignity and respect, but equality must not come at the cost of truth or the violation of others’ rights.

A Smokescreen of Control

A significant issue behind this movement is the deliberate way media, education, and political systems amplify the voices of a vocal minority while silencing, marginalizing, or demonizing the majority. The media frequently serves as a controlled and biased outlet, crafting narratives that gaslight the public into believing the minority’s views represent universal consensus. This deliberate distortion functions as a smokescreen, suppressing genuine dissent and coercing society into submission under the guise of progress or inclusivity. The consequences are far-reaching: a creeping erosion of fundamental freedoms—free speech, free thought, religious expression, and even parental rights. These alarming trends bear a striking resemblance to tactics employed by authoritarian regimes like China and North Korea, where the state dictates morality, controls speech, and punishes dissent. Practices such as cancel culture, thought policing, and the dismantling of basic liberties are not just isolated events but steps toward a society where fear and compliance replace freedom and truth.

The Illusion of Affirmation and Truth

The woke movement demands that society affirm subjective ideologies, such as fluid definitions of gender and morality. While this may appear compassionate on the surface, it ultimately fosters confusion, division, and harm. Romans 1:25 speaks to this reality: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” When society elevates individual feelings over objective reality, the result is chaos and instability. For Christians, affirming falsehoods is not an option. True compassion does not reinforce illusions; it seeks to uphold truth. Only the truth—rooted in God’s Word—has the power to bring genuine freedom and healing, as Jesus said: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

The Impact on Families and Children

One of the most troubling aspects of woke culture is its profound impact on children and families. Schools, which should focus on teaching essential subjects like math, science, and reading, are increasingly being used as platforms for ideological indoctrination. Children are encouraged to question their gender, prioritize feelings over biological reality, and even view their parents as barriers to self-expression. Parental rights are being systematically undermined, as schools and governments make critical decisions about children’s identities without consulting their families.

This trend poses a grave danger not only to the stability of families but to society as a whole. The sexualization of children in schools—often justified under the banner of inclusivity—opens the door to harm, exploitation, and confusion. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6 offers a sobering perspective: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Protecting children is not just a Christian duty but a universal moral imperative. Safeguarding their innocence, well-being, and safety is essential for the health of families and the future of society.

Cancel Culture and the Death of Free Speech

Cancel culture has created an environment where expressing disagreement or holding differing beliefs can result in public shaming, job loss, or even legal consequences. This suppression of dissent is a direct attack on free speech, a foundational principle of any truly free society. For Christians, this challenge is especially pronounced. Biblical views on marriage, gender, and morality are increasingly labeled as offensive or even hateful by some if it opposes their views.

What Can Be Done?

Navigating these challenges requires courage, wisdom, and faith. Here are practical steps for Christians (and others) to stand firm and promote truth:

1. Stay Rooted in Scripture

God’s Word is the ultimate authority. When cultural ideologies conflict with biblical truth, we must remain faithful to God.

2. Expose the Smokescreen

Help others see through the media’s biased narrative. Encourage critical thinking and honest conversations to reveal the truth.

3. Defend Freedom for All

Advocate for free speech, parental rights, and the protection of children. This is not just a Christian issue; it affects everyone who values liberty.

4. Model True Justice

Biblical justice seeks restoration and healing, not division and retribution. Work toward fairness without compromising truth.

5. Pray and Trust God

Cultural battles are spiritual battles. Pray for leaders, teachers, and those caught in confusion, and trust God’s sovereignty in all circumstances.

Conclusion: Standing Firm in Truth and Grace

The rise of woke madness is a challenge for all people, not just Christians. When society panders to a vocal minority, silences the majority, and replaces truth with ideology, the result is division, confusion, and fear. As Christians, we are called to stand as salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). By speaking truth in love, defending the vulnerable, and remaining steadfast in faith, we can offer a better way—a way rooted in the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ. The cultural storm may rage, but God’s truth is unshakable. Let us courageously shine His light, knowing that in Christ, we have the ultimate answer to every cultural and spiritual crisis.

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** Photo by Marcin Dampc at Pexels

Stop the United Nations (UN) Trying to Decriminalise Paedophilia

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CitizenGO – started this petition to The UK Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE – 2024/09/05

The UN (United Nations) is on the brink of legalising something unimaginable that will effect children around the world.

Right now, it’s pushing a horrifying treaty that could make it acceptable to create and possess explicit materials involving children—as long as it’s deemed “private” or “consensual”.

The UN’s latest treaty on cybercrime could allow predators to exploit children under the guise of “consensual” or “private” use of sexual content – child rape material.

Imagine AI-generated images of children in disturbing scenarios or real minors (children) being manipulated and / or coerced into creating their own exploitation—all potentially decriminalised. This is beyond comprehension—it’s a direct threat to the safety of every child.

If this treaty is signed, it could pave the way for the normalisation of the most horrific forms of child exploitation and even elements of paedophilia around the world.

And the UN isn’t just allowing this—they’re endorsing it.

By decriminalising “consensual” child pornography i.e child rape material, they’re opening the floodgates for paedophiles and predators. And make no mistake—if we let this happen, it’s only a matter of time before they push for even more: lowering the age of consent and defending the “rights” of those who prey on our children.

This is a nightmare in the making, and we cannot afford to wake up too late. We are standing at the edge of a cliff, and if we don’t act now, the protections that keep our children safe will be eroded.

What will be left? A world where the law protects predators, and our ability to safeguard our children will be stripped away.

We must rise up and make our voices heard. Add your name today to demand that the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward block this outrageous treaty.

The time to protect our children from this madness is now—before it’s too late.


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THE PETITION LETTER

(Please click on link below to sign)

Urgent: Opposition to Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

Dear The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the new UN treaty on cybercrime. What should be a positive step toward global safety has instead raised significant alarm.

Among the most distressing aspects of this proposed treaty is the inclusion of language that would decriminalize certain forms of child pornography.

According to Article 14 of the treaty, countries may choose to decriminalize the production, distribution, and possession of content depicting children that are sexually exposed so long as the material does not represent an “existing person” or does not visually depict actual “child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation.”

This proposal is not only deeply unethical but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society—our children.

It opens the door to depictions of paedophilia and legalizes some forms of child pornography, long considered illegal.

It is deeply troubling that the UN, which should prioritize the protection of all citizens, especially children, is considering provisions that could improve the social perception of paedophiles and protect those who possess and consume such vile material.

We must keep these dangerous individuals far away from our children and ensure that their abhorrent behaviour is not legitimised through international treaties.

In light of this, I urge you to take a stand against this treaty when it comes before the United Nations General Assembly this month. Please abstain from endorsing any agreement that would undermine the protection of our children and compromise the safety of our society.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

[Your Name]

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It’s important. Will you sign it too? Here’s the link:

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

More information:


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**By CitizenGo

Why Jealousy and Envy are Soul Destroyers

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One of the Ten Commandments is “You shall not covet.” Proverbs 27:4 reminds us of the destructive power of envy: “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Envy and jealousy are not fleeting emotions—they can erode relationships, cloud judgment, and separate us from God’s peace.

A person’s attitude in life is all-important. Much of the work of counseling involves helping people accept their reality and reshape their attitudes. Many people harbor poor attitudes about themselves, others, and even God. Unfortunately, it is human nature to compare ourselves to others. Jealousy and envy are often the toxic results of this comparison, combining anger, insecurity, fear, and greed.

Jealousy, like its cousin envy, is a silent and destructive force. It can hide for years, silently scheming, until it strikes through slander, gossip, or even violence. Jealousy involves desiring what others have, while envy resents others for their blessings. Both attitudes are the opposite of love and aim to see others fail. They stem from an inability to recognize God’s provision in our lives and a lack of gratitude. James 3:16 warns us that “where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Comparison, low self-esteem, and a desire for status or attention fuel jealousy and envy. Social media and a lack of meaningful relationships can amplify these feelings, as can a lack of intimacy with God. Life is not about possessions or status. Coveting what others have is idolatry, as it places material things or success above God. God promises to provide for our needs, and He calls us to store up treasures in heaven by living generously and faithfully.

To overcome jealousy and envy, we must first acknowledge their presence in our hearts. We need to humble ourselves before God, asking Him to reveal the motives and feelings behind these emotions. Once we’ve confessed these sins to Christ, we can begin the process of transformation.

  1. Cultivate Gratitude.
    Gratitude is a powerful antidote to envy. Reflect on the blessings in your life and thank God daily, even for the small things. The Psalms are a wonderful resource for turning thankfulness into prayer. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided.
  2. Avoid Comparison Traps.
    Social media often paints a false picture of people’s lives, fueling unhealthy comparisons. Instead, focus on activities that nourish your soul and draw you closer to God. Remember that God does not judge us by outward appearances, wealth, or accomplishments—He looks at the heart.
  3. Focus on Jesus.
    When we fix our eyes on Jesus, our perspective changes. Jesus modeled humility and selflessness, and He reminds us that eternal treasures matter more than worldly possessions or status. Living to please God brings peace and joy, knowing that we are saved by grace, not by our achievements.
  4. Understand the Root Causes.
    Analyze the triggers for jealousy and envy in your life. Why do certain people or situations provoke these feelings? Talking with trusted friends, counselors, or pastors can help uncover underlying issues and past wounds. Healing often begins when we confront these root causes and surrender them to God.
  5. Pray for Others and Yourself.
    Praying for the people you envy transforms your heart. Genuine prayer moves us from resentment to love and helps us see others through God’s eyes. It also deepens our relationship with God, who has given us unique talents and opportunities to serve others. True growth happens when we embrace these gifts and use them to glorify God.

Contentment is key to overcoming envy and jealousy. When we trust God as our provider, we stop striving for things that don’t truly satisfy. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to “keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

By cultivating gratitude, avoiding comparison, focusing on Jesus, addressing the root causes of envy, and growing through prayer, we align ourselves with God’s truth. These steps free us from the bondage of jealousy and lead to a life of peace, joy, and love.

Life is not about possessions, status, or recognition. It is about walking faithfully with God, trusting His plan, and rejoicing in His provision. As you surrender your struggles to God, remember His promise in Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Seek Him first, and He will replace jealousy with peace, envy with love, and fear with contentment.

Prayer to Overcome Jealousy and Embrace Contentment

Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that jealousy and envy can creep into our lives and cloud our vision of Your goodness. Lord, search our hearts and reveal any sinful attitudes that hinder our walk with You. Help us to surrender these feelings to You, trusting in Your abundant grace and provision.

Teach us to be content with what You have given us and to trust that Your plans for our lives are good. Fill us with gratitude for Your blessings, both great and small, and remind us daily of Your steadfast love and faithfulness.

Lord, protect us from the traps of comparison and the lies of the enemy that tell us we are not enough. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Help us to find joy in serving You and others with the unique gifts You have entrusted to us.

Give us the strength to love those around us genuinely, even when envy tries to take root. Teach us to celebrate the successes of others and to pray for their well-being with sincere hearts. May our lives reflect Your love, which does not envy but rejoices in the truth.

Father, remind us that true joy and peace are found in Your presence, not in earthly possessions or status. Guide us to store up treasures in Heaven and to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness.

We thank You for Your promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Fill us with Your Spirit, transforming our hearts and minds to be more like Christ. May we walk in freedom, contentment, and the joy that comes from knowing You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.

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** By Fritz Chery at Bible reasons + Michael Linn a licensed professional counsellor, Resolute Counseling.com + Quote by Dr. Bill Edgar former president of Geneva Edu and pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Photo by Brett Jordan at Pexels

The Power of Short Prayers and 7 Prayers We Must Stop Praying

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“He said to her, “Conjure up for me, please, and bring up [from the dead] for me [the spirit] whom I shall name to you.” But the woman said to him, “See here, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off (eliminated) those who are mediums and spiritists from the land.” – “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” – “No wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” ~ 1 Samuel 28:7-10; Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:13.

Praying to the dead is strictly forbidden in the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:11 tells us that anyone who “consults with the dead” is “detestable to the Lord.” The story of Saul consulting a medium to bring up the spirit of the dead Samuel resulted in his death “because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance” (1 Samuel 28:1-25; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14). Clearly, God has declared that such things are not to be done.

Consider the characteristics of God. God is omnipresent—everywhere at once—and is capable of hearing every prayer in the world (Psalm 139:7-12). A human being, on the other hand, does not possess this attribute. Also, God is the only one with the power to answer prayer. God is omnipotent—all powerful (Revelation 19:6). Certainly, this is an attribute a human being—dead or alive—does not possess. Finally, God is omniscient—He knows everything (Psalm 147:4-5). Even before we pray, God knows our genuine needs and knows them better than we do. Not only does He know our needs, but He answers our prayers according to His perfect will.

So, in order for a dead person to receive prayers, the dead individual has to hear the prayer, possess the power to answer it, and know how to answer it in a way that is best for the individual praying. Only God hears and answers prayer because of His perfect essence and because of what some theologians call His “immanence.” Immanence is the quality of God that causes Him to be directly involved with the affairs of mankind (1 Timothy 6:14-15); this includes answering prayer.

Even after a person dies, God is still involved with that person and his destination. Hebrews 9:27 says so: “…Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” If a person dies in Christ, he goes to heaven to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-9, especially verse 8); if a person dies in his sin, he goes to hell, and eventually everyone in hell will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

God has provided His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the mediator between man and God (1 Timothy 2:5). With Jesus Christ as our mediator, we can go through Jesus to God. Why would you want to risk the wrath of God?

7 Prayers You Must Stop Praying 

Not all prayers are the same. In fact, some prayers are not only unpleasing to God, but they can even border on witchcraft. Praying the wrong type of prayer can introduce problems in life rather than blessings. Here are the seven prayers that you should stop saying today.

1. Praying to Saints or Angels

The first type of prayer to stop is praying to saints or angels. The Bible clearly instructs Christians to pray directly to God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 2:5). Nowhere in Scripture are we told to pray through saints, angels, or Mary. These figures did not die for us, nor do they intercede for us at God’s right hand. We must use the direct access we have to God through Jesus.

2. Using Repetitive, Formulaic Prayers

Next, stop using ‘meaningless’ repetitive, formulaic prayers. Jesus warned against babbling like pagans who think they will be heard because of their many words (Matthew 6:7). Genuine prayer must come from the heart, not from mindless babbling. It’s about the sincerity of your heart, not the repetition of your words, even if it’s the same prayer, it must be meaningful, with a burden.

3. Praying for Harm or Curses on Others

Another prayer to avoid is praying for harm or curses on others. Romans 12:14 tells us to bless those who persecute us, not curse them. Using prayer to curse others is a form of witchcraft and is not aligned with Christian principles. Even when Jesus was on the cross, He did not curse His enemies. Instead, He prayed for them.

4. Praying with Manipulative Intentions

Another important reminder is to stop praying with manipulative intentions. James 4:3 warns us that prayers asked with wrong motives will not be answered. Prayer should not be used to manipulate situations or people for selfish gains. Instead, align your desires with God’s will, testing them through your delight in Him.

5. Invoking Spirit Guides or Using Occult Practices

Another prayer to avoid is prayers invoking spirit guides or engaging in occult practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 strictly prohibits practices like divination, sorcery, and interpreting omens. Mixing occult practices with prayer is dangerous and unbiblical.

6. Seeking Signs Instead of Trusting God’s Word

Another mistake is seeking signs or omens instead of trusting God’s Word. Jesus warned that a wicked generation seeks after signs (Matthew 12:39). While God can confirm signs through His Word, our faith should be based on His promises, not on supernatural signs.

7. Using Objects as Sources of Power

Avoid using objects as sources of power in prayer. Using things like crystals, rosaries, or any other form of objects to help you connect with God or pray is not biblical and should be avoided. However, the Bible does tell us one thing that helps us to strengthen our prayer. That is fasting (Acts 19:19). 

8. Praying for Material Wealth Without Seeking God’s Kingdom

Finally, stop praying for material wealth without seeking God’s Kingdom first. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness before anything else. Prioritizing wealth or fame over spiritual growth leads to misguided prayers. In the Kingdom, the King cares for His citizens. He will provide for us when we prioritize Him first. 

Five Short Prayers to Pray

In the Bible, we see that Jesus often prayed all night, Daniel prayed for three weeks, and Nehemiah and the Israelites prayed a lengthy confession and repentance prayer in Nehemiah chapter 9. Longer prayers are needed in our walk with the Lord and provide a lengthy set of benefits. They help us focus, deepen our relationship with God, allow us to pour out our hearts, develop persistence, and promote spiritual growth.

While I often encourage people to go further in their prayer time and to push to know the Lord more, I do want to acknowledge the power that a short and sincere prayer can have on your life.

Matthew 6:7 says, “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” The heart of prayer lies in revelation, not repetition. While it’s not wrong to repeat the same prayer multiple times, because Jesus prayed the same prayer three times and so did Paul, the heart of prayer is not in repetition; it’s in revelation. In other words, a prayer’s impact lies in its heartfelt connection with God, not its length. A prayer’s value doesn’t depend on how long it is.

Here are 5 prayers that are powerful if you pray them with the sincerity of your heart 

1. Lord, Help Me (Matthew 15:25)

This prayer is for the deliverance of others. A mother worshiped Jesus and then she prayed a sincere, humble, but very short prayer, “Lord, help me!” That prayer was so powerful that Jesus delivered her daughter.

2. Have Mercy on Me (Mark 10:47)

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” This is a prayer for a miracle. In God’s mercy, you will find your miracle. We must understand that when God extends His mercy, the miracle is on its way.

3. Lord, Save Me (Matthew 14:30)

This prayer is a plea for intervention and rescue. When you’re overwhelmed by fear or when your life feels like it’s spinning out of control, cry out to the Lord and He will intervene.

4. Show Me Your Ways, Lord (Psalm 25:4)

This prayer is for guidance. When we don’t know which way to go, this short, sincere prayer can help us lean on God’s understanding rather than our own. Prayers that align with God’s will and His purpose recognize and receive His power.

5. Not My Will Be Done But Yours (Luke 22:42)

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” This is a prayer of surrender, aligning your will with God’s will. The ultimate success of prayer is to surrender to God’s will, His plan, and His timing.

What Makes Short Prayers Powerful?

1. Faith
Short prayers require faith. It’s not the shortness of the prayer that guarantees the answer, but the faith in that short prayer. The Bible emphasizes that prayers made in faith will be heard and answered by God.

2. Humility
Short prayers require humility. They express the true condition of the heart without pretense. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

3. Urgency
Short prayers often arise in moments of great need or urgency, reflecting a deep dependence on God.

4. According to God’s Will
Powerful prayers align with God’s will and purpose, recognizing His sovereignty.

Remember that short prayers can be as dynamic and powerful as long ones because the heart of prayer is in its revelation, not in its repetition.

Final Thoughts

We need to be mindful of the prayers we offer to God. I encourage you to avoid prayers that are unbiblical, manipulative, or focused on material gain without spiritual growth. Instead, focus on prayers that align with God’s will, seek His Kingdom, and come from a sincere heart. 

God blesses things that are in line with God’s Word.

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***By Got Questions + Vladimir Savchuk at HungryGen / Photo by Faizi Ali at Pexels