Spiritual Warfare and Praying for Protection

It is so easy to be consumed by the daily grind and routines of life that we place all our attention to the physical world and remain blind to that of the spiritual realm. Have you ever felt as if there was something deeply unsettling within your soul, but you just couldn’t lay your finger on it? Perhaps, there was a time in your life where you felt really on fire for Christ then suddenly you discover numerous hurdles in your life that seemingly emerge out of nowhere. Far too often we focus our attention on the t things of this world that we can directly observe and try to get by through our own wisdom and strength. It is critical we remember there is an adversary who seeks to destroy and to never underestimate spiritual attacks. Today, we will dive into how we can start to think deeper about what spiritual warfare is and how we can pray against it.

The harsh reality of this world is that we are no match for the enemy on our own strength. Fortunately, Christ gave His life so that we could have hope, but it is necessary for us to surrender and submit to Him. Many people think if we believe and confess there is God we will be protected. In the Book of James, we are told that it is one thing to believe God is real and another to truly submit and follow His will. It is essential we have a personal relationship with Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to move within us.

Evil exists whether we want to recognize it or not, and the truth of the matter is we live in a harsh and cruel world. Closing your eyes to the evil around and not relying on God will lead to destruction. Every moment there is a spiritual battle that most of us ignore and know little about. Not only is there an abundance of evil in this world there are false teachers and doctrines floating all around. This world is full of wolves in sheep’s clothing as many who claim to be friends, allies and even Christians are being used against us. Recently, I came to knowledge about some of common practices of witchcraft where family members and those call themselves friends cast spells to bewitch and hold back the unsuspecting. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the spiritual warfare we face on a regular basis and it essential we no longer remain ignorant but give it all to Christ.

It is critical we equip ourselves with the word and stay strong in prayer and no longer remain oblivious to the presence of spiritual attacks. How do we pray equip ourselves and pray against such attacks? We need to seek Christ and place on the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. This armor consists of belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Just as we wouldn’t go into battle without protection, we need to equip ourselves with this armor as we enter fight against spiritual attacks from the enemy. Opening our eyes too such evil can be very scary, but we know we are not alone, and God has given us the tools to fight against such great evil. We need to pray for protection against the enemy and continue to remain strong in the word and prayer and trust in Him.

Dear Lord, help us to place our eyes upon you and see your will in everything we do. We ask for your divine protection over our lives. We place on the full armor of God as we go into this battle with the enemy. Please equip us with wisdom and give us the ability to discern form the things that are form you and those that are not. Teach us how to pray and equip us to withstand and overcome the attacks of the enemy. Help us to desire the things of you and to turn away from the things of this world. Please continue to open our eyes and give us wisdom and strength as live our lives according to your will.

References

Ephesians 6:10-20 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.