There’s no denying that we’re engaged in spiritual battles every day and, as Christians, we often feel the effects of the enemy’s attacks. However, God will never leave us and we’re not fighting the battles alone. He has armed us with a number of spiritual weapons, and prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have. Prayer is our battle cry. When we stand together recognizing Jesus as Lord, the gates of hell will not prevail against us. It is to God that we run for protection and power to advance His kingdom. God does not fail us.

 

Day 1      Psalm 91:1-16 

Reflect: What is the condition for us to live under God’s protection? Would you say this is a command or an invitation to take refuge in God? Why? Define the names of God.

Apply:  What words or verses are most meaningful to you? Have you used this psalm in the past? If so, how? How has God protected or rescued you in the ways described?

Pray:     Father, there are many times I have failed to fly to You when faced with the overwhelming circumstances of life. Teach me to live in total dependence on You, abiding under the shadow of Your protective wings of love.

 

 Day 2      Psalm 140:1-11

Reflect: How did David demonstrate his confidence in the Lord? What did he believe about God’s character? What attitudes does this psalm warn us to avoid?

Apply:   What problems or disappointments threaten to discourage you? From what do you need God to rescue you? How can you turn this psalm into a prayer for protection?

Pray:      Lord, at times, enemy attacks of fear and doubt overwhelm me. Quiet those thoughts and remind me, Lord, of Who You are and Whose I am. You surround me, You are here to carry me, and You can deliver me through whatever I am facing.

 

Day 3      2 Samuel 22:1-20

Reflect: How does David describe God? Why does he use these particular adjectives and images? Why did God protect and rescue David? What does that say about God? David?

Apply:   How does this text give you a new or different way to see God? Are there waters in which you, or someone you know, is sinking? What is your prayer?

Pray:     My God, You are my refuge and my fortress, in whom I trust. You are faithful to deliver me from my enemies. You will cover me, and Your faithfulness will be my shield.

 

Day 4      2 Kings 6:8-23 

Reflect: In what ways did the Lord show He was protecting Israel and Elisha? Why do you think Elisha prayed for blindness for his enemies? What were the results?

Apply:   How has God used you to help protect someone? When have you felt like Elisha’s servant? How has God led you to deal with someone you considered an “enemy”?

Pray:     Father, this I know—the all-sufficiency of my God will meet any crisis I face; prayer is the means of access to my all-sufficient God.

 

Day 5      Ephesians 6:10-18

Reflect: What does each piece of God’s armor protect and why is it needed? Why do you think Paul calls us to “stand”? Why is prayer an integral part of the protective armor?

Apply:   How has the armor of God protected you in the past? What piece or pieces do you use most often against the enemy and why? How often do you pray for protection?

Pray:     Father, thank You that You have given me, and all Your children, everything we need to be victorious in the spiritual battle.  Teach me to rely on You and not on my own abilities. Help me to find all I need in You and in the power of Your might.

 

Put It into Practice!

Week 1: We Pray for Protection

Use these verses in prayer to declare who God is and to claim His protection over you, your family and our church: Psalm 121:1-8; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 5:11; John 10:28-30; Psalm 46.