Are you a prayer warrior
“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” (Ephesians 6:12).
In many years of taking communion to shut-ins I have learned a great deal about prayer. I remember taking communion to a lady for years. Eventually she became comatose, and my visits were more for prayer and a blessing. While she could respond, she was always cheerful, and I ended up being the one who was blessed.
I wondered about God’s plan. I secretly prayed for her deliverance from this life’s suffering. I didn’t realize God’s plan at the time. She was a prayer warrior, combatting the powers of darkness. In time I would understand.
God calls all believers to fight in the spiritual battles that are constantly occurring, where evil intends suffering, but God works to restore it for righteous purposes. Those who say “yes” to God’s call, prayer warriors, partake in the world’s most significant work. Prayer warriors recognize the battle and join the forces of good.
To be a prayer warrior means putting on the armour of God, fastening the belt of truth, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and wearing the shoes of readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace. Prayer warriors wrestle with the cosmic powers of darkness and pray to the Spirit for the words to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.
Prayer warriors know that there is a war and that we are in it. They pray and work to advance God’s kingdom on earth and to stop the spread of evil. (from Witney Hopler, “How to Be a Prayer Warrior”). Their commander is Jesus Christ. Their true enemy is Satan. When we deliberately disobey God and choose to sin, we open the door to the enemy.
The big question we need to ask ourselves is which side do we support? Prayer warriors have many qualities: a strong faith, commitment, persistence, intercessory focus, and spiritual discernment. They are bible centred, humble and contrite. They love God and others. They strive for unity and participate in community [church] prayer. They are faith in action!
Is there another choice? A little self-analysis will help us recognize which of the above qualities we admire and for which we strive. Steve Winwood in “Higher Love” sings: Think about it, there must be a higher love. / Look inside your heart, I’ll look inside mine.
We walk blind and we try to see. We stand alone and face our fears, he sings. We have yearnings, and we keep striving. Bring me that higher love, he says.
When we face uncertain times, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. God knows our hearts and will help us find the words to pray. Jesus prayed! At his busiest times he got up early in the morning and went to a quiet place to pray.
In “Fidelity—Our Greatest Gift to Others” Father Ron Rolheiser says the most important aspect of prayer is: “Show up! Don't ever give up! Don't ever stop going to prayer! As long as you persevere in going to prayer, eventually God will break through. Don't ever stop trying!” Be faithful! Keep trying!
The Daily Prayer of the Church is said by religious and devout lay persons. The Holy Spirit renews and enlivens the work of the Church – to bring the Good News to all.
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