Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of "War with Prayer" in the Bible encompasses the spiritual battles faced by believers and the use of prayer as a powerful weapon in these conflicts. Throughout Scripture, prayer is depicted as an essential tool for seeking divine intervention, guidance, and strength in times of spiritual warfare. This entry explores the biblical foundation for engaging in spiritual battles through prayer, highlighting key passages and examples from the Bible. Biblical Foundation 1. Ephesians 6:10-18: The Apostle Paul provides a comprehensive description of the spiritual armor of God, emphasizing the importance of prayer in spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul instructs believers to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." This passage underscores the necessity of constant prayer as part of the believer's defense against spiritual forces of evil. 2. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: Paul further elaborates on the nature of spiritual warfare, stating, "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Prayer is implied as one of these divine weapons, capable of overcoming spiritual strongholds and arguments against the knowledge of God. 3. Daniel 10:12-13: The book of Daniel provides a vivid example of prayer's role in spiritual warfare. Daniel's persistent prayer and fasting led to a heavenly response, as an angel explained that his prayers were heard from the first day. However, the angel was delayed by the "prince of the Persian kingdom," highlighting the unseen spiritual battle that accompanies prayer. Examples of Prayer in Warfare 1. Jehoshaphat's Prayer (2 Chronicles 20:1-30): When faced with a vast army, King Jehoshaphat sought the Lord through prayer and fasting. His prayer acknowledged God's sovereignty and power, and the Lord responded by delivering Judah without them having to fight. This account demonstrates the power of prayer in seeking divine intervention in physical battles. 2. Nehemiah's Prayer (Nehemiah 4:4-9): As Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, he faced opposition and threats. In response, Nehemiah prayed to God and set a guard day and night. His reliance on prayer, coupled with practical action, illustrates the balance of faith and works in spiritual warfare. 3. Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus engaged in intense prayer, seeking strength to face the impending spiritual battle. His example highlights the importance of prayer in preparing for and enduring spiritual trials. The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Warfare Prayer serves multiple roles in spiritual warfare: · Communication with God: Prayer is the means by which believers communicate with God, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and strength in the face of spiritual challenges. · Intercession: Believers are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap and praying for God's intervention in their lives and circumstances. · Protection and Deliverance: Through prayer, believers can seek God's protection from spiritual attacks and deliverance from evil. · Empowerment: Prayer empowers believers by aligning their will with God's and drawing on His strength to overcome spiritual adversaries. Conclusion The Bible presents prayer as an indispensable weapon in the believer's arsenal for spiritual warfare. Through prayer, believers engage in the battle against spiritual forces, relying on God's power and presence to achieve victory. The examples and teachings found in Scripture encourage believers to be vigilant and persistent in prayer, trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in all circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 35:1-3Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 6:18 Library That Constantine Prepared Himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius ... Prayer a War Measure. Morning Prayer in Time of War and Persecution. Psalm 20. Prayer and Hope of victory. For a Day of Prayer in Time ... The Timeliness of Prayer Evening Prayer an Evening Thanksgiving. Morning Prayer in Time of Distress. The War of Truth Asa's Prayer Lyra Germanica: Second Series: The Christian Life Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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