The church has been lulled to sleep and, in many cases, is oblivious to the battle raging against its very existence. But we must awaken and return to the core identity of the church as stated by Jesus in Mark 11:17: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” It is time to put on the whole armor of God and embrace the mantle of intercession to stand in the gap for the souls of our nations.
There is an unseen battle raging against Christians. We cannot see it with our natural eyes, yet at times we can feel its effect. The enemy is walking around as a roaring lion seeking to destroy. He wants to kill your dreams and destroy your destiny. God is raising mighty ones to go into battle. Women must be armed, ready and engaged in the battle for their marriages, their children and the nations of the earth. It is time to put on our spiritual armor and take a stand against the enemy. God has promised that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isa. 54:17). Problems may arise, but they will not prosper if we learn to pray effective prayers against them. Paul admonishes us to put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the evil forces of hell (Eph. 6:11). The armor is to be used to protect the prayer warrior. The metaphorical use of the armor and battle dress of the first-century soldier points to the fact that we should be engaged in an active battle now! The armor represents spiritual qualities we must implement I our lives to be effective in warfare prayer.
Many would argue that since Jesus died on the cross, everything is already finished and the devil is defeated. Although the devil has ultimately been defeated, he still seeks to kill, steal and destroy. God has given us the responsibility to enforce the finished work of the cross. Just because we are saved does not mean we are immune to the attacks of the enemy. We must be infused with the strength of the Lord to overcome the assault of the enemy. We have priority access to the power of the Father to reverse every wicked plan, plot, and scheme against our lives. Do not fight in your own strength. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4).
We must understand that when we pray and intercede, we are partnering with the Spirit of God to bring His will on the earth. Lift your hands right now and receive an impartation of God’s strength. You must receive the power and strength of God before you fight an unseen battle. God will empower us with His strength, for the battles are won by the Spirit of the Lord. Being strong in the Lord will keep you from weariness and battle fatigue.
Have you ever been invited to an event and the host forgot to tell you that there was a dress code? Or have you ever attended an event and decided to ignore the dress code? This action usually leaves you feeling vulnerable and out of place, and depending on the host, you may be denied access or entry. Paul gives the key to entering into effective warfare prayer: you must be dressed properly. Putting on the whole armor of God requires intentionality. Putting on the whole armor assures you of victory in the spirit. Just as you have to go to the closet and select clothing to wear for the day, you should put on the armor of God every day. You must not take any shortcuts when putting on the armor. Every piece must be worn to provide protection and strength. There is a synergy of strength and power released to the fully armed soldier. Putting on the armor of God requires making a decision daily to live as a soldier in the army of the Lord (See Eph. 6:12-13). {eoa}
Adapted from The Anna Anointing by Michelle McClain-Walters, copyright 2017, published by Charisma House. Learn how to be equipped with fire, zeal and power to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to those who look for redemption in this season. You can have the same anointing Anna had to pray powerful prayers and make a difference in this generation. To order your copy, click on this link.
Prayer Power for the Week of Oct. 28, 2018
This week, determine to “put on” the armor of God every day so you are equipped for the day’s spiritual battles. Thank God for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Begin prayer with worship and surrender to the Lord to be used as His vessel in spiritual warfare and service. Continue to pray for the nation and its leaders and pray the Lord’s will concerning the upcoming elections. Pray for godly wisdom concerning the many decisions the president and his Cabinet must make during these turbulent times. Read: Ephesians 6:11-13, James 5:16.
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