We are in a war! But it's not one that will be fought physically, or even mentally. In fact, technology will not play a part in this war. This war will be waged through prayer. It is time for the people of God to stand up and stand out. Prayer is not an option; it's an imperative. Prayer is not our last resort; prayer is our first resolve!
We are equipped for this battle by God's design:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
We are equipped with weapons to wage war, but how do we use them in prayer? Let's examine our weapons...
1) The Belt of Truth
The belt soldiers wore restrained their clothing making it easier for them to fight, as well as held the scabbard for their sword.
Pray - "God let me be restrained by truth. Let me walk in truth. Let me speak the truth in love. I love your truth and it has set me free!"
Find Scriptures that speak about truth and make them a part of this portion of your prayer. For example, David prayed, "Behold, you delight in truth..."
2) Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate protected the soldiers most vital organs.
Pray - "God protect my hunger for you. Protect my heart, and let me feel the heartbeat of God as I pray. I desire your righteousness to cover me."
Find Scriptures that speak about God's righteousness and include them in this portion of your prayer. Seek the Lord and His righteousness.
3) Shoes: The Gospel of Peace
The warriors shoes protected him from walking directly on the ground.
Pray - "God let me walk in peace every where I go: my home, community, job, school, etc. I desire to walk in peace and lead others to Your peace Lord."
Find Scriptures that speak about God's peace, praying them as you put this piece of armor on. Jesus taught that peace-makers were blessed; be one!
4) Shield of Faith
The shield protected the soldier from arrows launched by his enemy.
Pray - "Lord, increase my faith in You and protect me from the arrows of doubt the enemy would launch at me. I desire your anointing Lord."
Find Scriptures about faith, and pray them as you take up your "shield." I refer to Hebrews 11 as the "hall of faith" chapter and read it to boost my faith.
5) Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protected the warriors head during battle.
Pray - "Lord, protect my mind and renew it in Your word. Let me have the mind of Christ in all I do, and let my thoughts be pleasing to You."
Find Scriptures about mind to pray, such as "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord..." (In Scripture, the heart and mind are interchangeable)
6) Sword of the Spirit
The sword was the main weapon that the warrior used in battle.
Pray - "Lord, I wield Your word against the word and plans of the enemy. I cut the enemy down and destroy his plans against me."
Find Scriptures about God's word and include them in your prayer. The Word of God is alive and operative and it works against all enemies of Christ!
7) Praying ALWAYS!
Although Paul does not specify a "spear" of prayer, I like to refer to Ephesians 6:18 as the spear of prayer.
A spear must have a point. Prayer must have a point. Praying "pointless" prayers is useless.
The shaft of the spear must be proportionate in length to the weight of the spearhead in order for optimum performance. Prayer must also be balanced between it's length and weight (quantity and quality) in order for it to be effective.
It is interesting to note that when an invasion or attack is planned, it is often called a "spearhead." A spearhead is "the driving force in a given action, endeavor, or movement." (American Heritage College Dictionary)
Let us launch an offensive against our enemy through the spearhead of prayer!
I'll see you on the battlefield, warrior....
