Prayer is the greatest weapon we have for spiritual warfare. Without prayer, we cannot wage spiritual warfare. The role of prayer is central and indispensable. Prayer is priceless to the one who engages in spiritual warfare. In his book, The Invisible War, which this writer recently read, Chip Ingram says, “Intercessory prayer is our most powerful and strategic corporate weapon in spiritual warfare.” This writer agrees completely with that view.
John Wesley is purported to have said, “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Jesus lives to intercede for believers. Paul tells Christians to pray without ceasing. This writer agrees with John Piper when he says that the best way to apply that passage is to have a disciplined scheduled daily prayer time over which one should then have spontaneous all-day prayers. If one looks at the life of Jesus, there is no doubt that his success in ministry and spiritual warfare was linked to his prayer life and his practices of other spiritual disciplines and his understanding and walk within God’s will.
When one reads the letters of Paul, one cannot miss the centrality of prayer in both the Christian life and spiritual warfare. Paul commanded believers to Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
In his foundational passage on spiritual warfare in his letter to the Ephesian Christians, Paul says:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:10-20
Verse 18 says, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
This writer agrees with Bible teacher and author Priscilla Shirer when she says, “When Paul talks about spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6, prayer is the seventh piece of armor. It activates all of the rest of the spiritual armor. When we refuse to pray, it’s like having a refrigerator without plugging it in. Prayer is the divinely authorized mechanism God has given us to tap into His power. Without prayer, we’ll be ineffective in spiritual warfare. But with it, we will be victorious.”
Whether one agrees or disagrees with her about prayer being the 7th piece of the armor, a cursory read of the new testament would reveal that prayer is necessary for everything in the Christian walk and especially so for spiritual warfare. In fact, to take Mrs. Shirer’s point further, prayer not only activates the other pieces, but prayer can also give a sinner all those pieces. If a sinner prays for salvation, God promises to give him/her. God can answer prayer and teach them the truth, give them faith, and every other piece of the armor.
In 2 Kings 6:17, we see a simple but powerful prayer that the prophet Elisha prayed. He said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” 2 Kings 6:17 ESV There was spiritual warfare going on and Elisha’s servant was worried and afraid. He didn’t know that what was for them was far greater than what was against him. Every spiritual warrior ought to pray this prayer for themselves. It is only when our spiritual vision is good that we can see the strategy of the devil unfolding in front of our eyes and we can see and have faith in God’s full armor discussed in Ephesians 6.
When Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:2-5 that Christians are to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, how do they do that except through dependent prayer and the power of God?
When James says in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Where do Christians actually get the strength to do all that except through prayer?
Prayer is everything.
There are many other passages of scripture one can cite here. For sake of brevity, the writer will end here. But the professor should feel free to request further details here if they deem necessary.
