I’ve encountered the spirit of lukewarmness in my own spiritual journey. There were seasons where my fire for God dwindled—not because of a conscious choice, but because of the slow, creeping distractions of life. One day, I realized I wasn’t as passionate in my prayers, didn’t crave God’s Word, and felt spiritually stagnant. It’s a dangerous place to be because lukewarmness can numb you to the things of God, leaving you indifferent and spiritually dry.
But here’s the truth: Lukewarmness is a spiritual attack aimed at pulling you away from a vibrant relationship with God. It happens slowly, but it can be broken through fervent prayer. God wants us to be “either hot or cold” (Revelation 3:15-16), not stuck in the middle.
How to Pray Against the Spirit of Lukewarmness
1. Acknowledge the Lukewarmness
Before anything can change, you need to recognize and admit the areas where you’ve grown spiritually lukewarm. This step is about humbling yourself before God, being honest, and seeking renewal.
Prayer Point:
“Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I’ve allowed the spirit of lukewarmness to enter my heart. I confess that my passion for You has faded, and I haven’t been as devoted to prayer, Your Word, or seeking Your presence. Forgive me for allowing distractions, complacency, and apathy to take root in my life.”
2. Ask for Fresh Fire and Revival
After confession, ask the Holy Spirit to reignite the fire within you. Lukewarmness often settles in when the fire of the Holy Spirit is quenched. You need fresh zeal, a renewed hunger for God’s presence, and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Point:
“Holy Spirit, I invite You to rekindle the fire within me. Pour out a fresh wave of Your presence and power in my life. Restore my passion for prayer, worship, and Your Word. Set my heart ablaze with a desire to know You more and to live for You wholeheartedly.”
3. Pray for a Deep Hunger for God’s Word
One of the signs of lukewarmness is a lack of desire for God’s Word. Scripture is essential for spiritual growth and strength. Pray for a deep hunger for His Word to return.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, create in me a hunger and thirst for Your Word. Help me to crave it daily, like food for my soul. Let Your Word transform me, renew my mind, and draw me closer to You. I pray that I would love Your Word again and that it would be my guide in all things.”
4. Break Free from Spiritual Apathy
Lukewarmness often brings with it a sense of spiritual apathy—a lack of motivation to seek God, attend church, or even engage in spiritual disciplines. Pray to be released from this apathy and ask God for a renewed passion to serve Him.
Prayer Point:
“Father, I break free from every spirit of spiritual apathy and complacency. In the name of Jesus, I reject the lie that it’s okay to live a half-hearted, lukewarm life. Renew my passion for You and remove any laziness, distractions, or indifference that is keeping me from pursuing You with my whole heart.”
5. Pray for a Spirit of Boldness and Zeal
Lukewarmness often dulls our boldness and zeal for the things of God. Ask for the boldness of the Holy Spirit to be reignited within you so that you can walk in power and authority again.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, give me boldness like never before. Let the zeal for Your house consume me (Psalm 69:9). I pray for courage to step out in faith, to share the Gospel, and to live fully for You without fear or hesitation. Let my life be marked by a passion for Your kingdom and Your purposes.”
6. Repent and Turn Back to Your First Love
Revelation 2:4 reminds us to return to our first love—Jesus. Pray a prayer of repentance, asking God to help you rediscover the love and excitement you had when you first believed.
Prayer Point:
“Father, I repent for losing my first love. Forgive me for allowing other things to take priority over my relationship with You. I want to return to the joy of my salvation and the love I had when I first encountered You. Help me to rediscover the depth of love, devotion, and intimacy with You.”
7. Pray for a Spirit of Discipline
Lukewarmness can also stem from a lack of spiritual discipline. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you maintain consistency in your spiritual practices—prayer, fasting, studying Scripture, and worship.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, I ask for a spirit of discipline and commitment. Help me to be diligent in seeking You daily, in prayer and in studying Your Word. Give me the strength to fast, worship, and stay committed to the things that draw me closer to You. Help me to build a life rooted in spiritual disciplines that keep my heart aligned with Yours.”
Sample Prayer Against the Spirit of Lukewarmness
“Heavenly Father, I come before You with humility, recognizing that I have allowed lukewarmness to creep into my life. Forgive me for the times I have been indifferent, distracted, and apathetic in my relationship with You. I ask You to set my heart on fire again. Holy Spirit, come and fill me afresh. Reignite the passion in my soul and create in me a deep hunger for Your presence. Break every spirit of apathy and complacency that has taken root in me. I choose to pursue You with all my heart. Help me to return to my first love, Jesus, and give me the boldness to live fully for You. I declare that I am breaking free from the spirit of lukewarmness, and I am stepping into a life of passion, zeal, and devotion to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Key Scriptures to Stand On
- Revelation 3:15-16 – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
- Psalm 69:9 – “For zeal for Your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult You fall on me.”
- Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
- 2 Timothy 1:6 – “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
- Revelation 2:4-5 – “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Final Thoughts: Rekindle the Flame
The spirit of lukewarmness can be subtle, but it is dangerous because it leads to spiritual numbness. Through consistent prayer, discipline, and a renewed focus on God, you can break free and reignite the fire within your soul. God desires for you to be on fire for Him, and when you seek Him with all your heart, He will faithfully restore your passion and zeal. Keep pressing in—you’ll find that your relationship with God will be transformed, filled with life, joy, and purpose once again.