Christians today are beginning to awaken to a foundational truth: all
true prayer is spiritual warfare. This is true because all of our aims
in prayer---closeness with God, spiritual refreshment, other people's
forgiveness, blessings from God, forgiveness, peace, joy---are contrary
to Satan's design. In prayer you are moving out into enemy territory.
As your enemy, Satan will oppose your church's efforts to reach out.
Prayer is your most powerful weapon in defeating him.
-Alvin Griend(The Praying Church Source Book p.228)
Ephesians 6:10-20
A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God's secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too. I am in chains now for preaching this message as God's ambassador. But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
1 comment:
Thanks for this "True Prayer" post. Often, I struggle to understand why Christians do not use this type of weapon daily and on a regular basis. I have no doubt that many Christians lead a prayerless life for a number of reasons: their demons are not being defeated, they tire-lessly prayed until they're worn out with a question whether or not God hears their prayer, they may not know how to pray or cannot find words to express their concerns or just to say "Hi" and various others.
Sometimes, I get caught in a "time-warp" that I forget to pray the whole day (that's often happened to me!!). Then I sense that I'm losing protection and the infiltration of Satan into my life. It's a picture of a little child out of her father's reach that in due time, abductors can easily snatch her away. The little girl needs to be closer to her father so she will feel protected and watched over.
Sticking to "True Prayer" is always a challenge, and will always be. Thanks for this inspiration!
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