Prepared For Battle

We are living in a season of great deception on this earth. It is often hard to recognize
good from evil and evil from good. As Christians we are moving targets for the enemy.
 

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour"-1 Peter 5:8

God tells us that His word is mightier than a two edge sword. In other words it can cut
through anything! We are able to thwart off the enemy causing him to flee by reciting
scripture. It's one of the beautiful gifts the Lord has given us.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
thoughts and attitudes of the heart."-Hebrews 4:12

The Full Armour of God must be prayed out loud. If we are saved the enemy can not penetrate
our thoughts. He is not omniscient. Therefore he can't read our minds. By reciting this prayer
out loud, over your family, you are telling the enemy to back off. That you are fully covered in
the blood of Jesus Christ.

When I first began reciting this prayer out loud I felt ridiculous. I was raised in a protestant denomination where the clergy prayed for us. It was, by no means, natural to pray out loud without repeating after the minister. I began by reciting the prayer to our dogs. All three labs. One of each color. Lined up attentively ready to be ministered too. They loved it!

There is no perfect way to pray. God knows your heart. It may feel silly praying out loud at first. After awhile you will  walk around your home proclaiming the Blood of Jesus!  On furniture, doors, toys, laundry, televisions, computers, floors (just ask my husband). You can never have too much Jesus or too many angels.

God's word is active and powerful! When you pray this prayer before leaving your home you can
rest assured that the Lord has his angels surrounding you. To fight for you. Now why in the world would
you want to take on the world with out them?

Prayer is powerful. Don't leave home without it!

Dear Lord,

As I get out of bed today, I know I'm stepping onto a battlefield. But I also know
You have given me everything I need to stand firm. So in the power of Your
Holy Spirit, I put on the full armor of God.

First, I place the helmet of salvation on my head. Protect my mind and imagination.
Guard my eyes, allowing no sin to creep in. Focus my thoughts on the things of God.
Let the breastplate of righteousness keep my heart and emotions safe. I pray that I won't
be governed by my feelings, but by truth. Wrap Your word around me like a belt. And
safeguard me from error. I put on the sandals of peace to guide my steps. Plant my feet in
Your truth. Empower me to stand firm against attack.

Next, I take up the shield of faith. Protect me from satan's fiery arrows. Place me shoulder
to shoulder with Your army to oppose the devil's schemes. Finally, I take up the
sword of the Spirit, Your word. Help me to read the bible in a fresh, exciting way so I will always be ready to deflect attacks and pierce hearts with Your truth.

I know I'll face assaults today, Lord.. But You've empowered me to stand firm. Give me strength for
the battle today.

And all of God's people said Amen.