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Intention

To increase in prayer, taking up prayer as our artillery in spiritual warfare.

Scripture

“For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but divinely powerful toward the demolition of strongholds.”

– 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (Berean Literal Bible)

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

– Ephesians 6:18

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

­– Mathew 6:7

Reflection

The analogy between prayer and weapons of warfare is powerful. When I think of the demolition of strongholds, I envision artillery forces firing from miles away with precise accuracy. Prayer is unquestionably the most powerful weapon we have been given.

Artillery provision is vital in battle. It maximises the combat power of a defence force by providing offensive support to weaken the enemy on the battlefield. Or in simpler terms, artillery support is using long-range weapons such as guns and missiles to destroy enemy buildings and equipment and to inflict casualties before or during a battle, therefore destroying or weakening enemy resistance. No soldier wants to go into battle without the assistance of artillery, because the use of effective coordinated artillery can ensure a victorious outcome.

With this analogy in mind, it seems irresponsible and careless to not pray continually with constant fire upon the enemy, demolishing strongholds and weakening resistance – yes, even releasing captives. I wonder if our prayerlessness is a result of a counterattack from the enemy, because, in regular battle, armies must detect where the artillery guns are located and take them out early. It makes sense for the enemy to attack our artillery batteries.

Scripture tells us to pray continually, without ceasing, with all sorts of prayers and supplications. We are in a battle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities in the heavenly realms. The enemy is fast taking ground within our culture, especially with our youth. The church is suffering great losses. Therefore, we need to get back to our artillery posts and pick our targets. Like calculating precise artillery coordinates, we need to carefully set our coordinates and fire using a rifle rather than a shotgun, because the enemy will only yield what he has to yield.

When we return to our prayer posts, remember that coordinated fire is more effective, “where two or three are gathered together.” Remember to pray in accordance with God’s will, with all perseverance, sometimes one shot is not enough. Often, we undertake a hit-and-run attack, but this rarely wins battles. Persistence is the key to victory, any victory.

Keep praying, it is the deciding factor in spiritual warfare.

Video

Prayer

Gracious Father, forgive me for my prayerlessness and vain presumption. Forgive me for my unbelief, and give ear to my prayer. Thank You for holding my steps in Your path and leading me in Christ, show me the wonder of Your great love that I might glorify You today.

I pray for <name of loved one who does not know Christ>. I ask in Jesus’ Name that You would destroy the enemy’s stronghold upon his/her life and bring him/her to deep repentance. I ask that You break through in power to set him/her free and may a revelation of Jesus come upon him/her. I bless <name> and pray Father in the name of Jesus that he/she would recognise Your voice speaking to him/her. Amen

Author Bio

Cindy McGarvie is National Director of Youth for Christ Australia. She met her husband, Rod, in the Australian Army, and together they went on to serve as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators for twelve years, raising five children on the mission field. Cindy and her husband live in Brisbane, Australia.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO 2023 in May

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. Heb 12:28–29
2. Pray that the Lamb who was slain might receive the reward for His suffering. Rev 5:6–14
3. Pray for revival for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Isa 64:1–2
4. Pray for revival for Israel and millions to find Christ. Rom 10:1
5. Pray for five friends to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20

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