PRAY: Protect me, Lord, from giving up, from imposing my own agenda, from distractions, from spiritual attack. Let me pray from within your protection.
Arming ourselves for battle throughout the journey – Day 4
Continue to ask God to show you the people for whom you should pray.
Approaching God – As we enter into this time of praying for three people, we need to be aware we are also entering into a time of battle with the evil one for the souls of God’s children. Slowly read the verse below and allow yourself to rest in the assurance of God’s protection.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Listening to God – As we go into battle we need to arm ourselves with the full armor of God. As you read the words below, imagine putting on each piece of the armor and spend time meditating on how wearing that piece of the armor translates into your daily life.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17)
Talking to God – After you are done listening, pray what you heard God say to you back to him. Is there a reason for praise and thanksgiving? Do you need to confess anything? What do you need from God? What do you need to surrender to him? Pray the verse over your three people.
Ministering in God’s Name – Ephesians 6:18 goes on to encourage us with these words, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Take some time to identify “down times” when you could be praying (while waiting in line, driving in your car, exercising, doing household chores, etc.), then commit to praying for your people during these times.
Surrendering to God – Hopefully, you feel prepared for the opportunity to make a difference for God’s kingdom. You have identified the people God would have you pray for; you have considered your calling as ministers of reconciliation, ambassadors, and Christ’s righteousness; and you are wearing the full armor of God. As you begin to expectantly pray for the three people you identified, remember it is God’s Spirit that is doing the work, we are merely the conduits through which the grace can flow. Totally surrender to God’s working, God’s timing, and God’s leading in your life and the lives of your three friends.
By Jolene DeHeer
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