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Post-Battle Joy
There are two weaknesses that have probably robbed me of the joy of intercession from time to time in my life.
The first is a lack of confidence that God will actually answer. I’ve never lacked confidence that He hears me; somehow I’ve managed to be unwavering on that point. But I have probably limited the possibilities of what His will for my life could look like. I have a tendency to believe that God’s will for me is narrower, stricter, and more finite than my own dreams for myself. But nothing could be further from the truth. And when I remember that small sacrifices often make room for much greater things, and that God’s plans for me are beyond what I could ever dream or imagine, it increases my confidence in asking.
The second mistake that has hindered my capacity for a joy-filled prayer life is forgetting to put on one specific piece of my armor. Have you ever prayed for something or someone diligently for a period of time, and then fizzle out to a place of apathy and discouragement? Do you ever forget that when you pray you are actually participating in battle? I know I often enter into prayer unarmed, and that can zap me of all energy and resolve. I read a story of a missionary in Northern Africa who said, "There’s only one offensive weapon in the armor of God — His Word. As I began to pray Scripture, I knew that I was praying God’s will. As a result, I began to win hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Like any soldier returning victorious from battle, my reward was joy!"
Praying God’s word over every aspect of my life solves both of the mistakes I’ve made, and increase my desire to pray, because of the power I witness and the joy God gives me. I know that God’s Word never returns void, so I need to put that into practice over the small things, and the big things in my life that God wants me to bring to Him. I need to fill my head and heart with scripture, so that I can intercede quickly and easily for any need. My confidence in receiving answers increase when I know I’m praying His will, and my endurance is resolved as I see minor and major victories.
Today I prayed scriptures over my beloved husband and sons. Some of my requests seemed next-to-impossible. I am confident, however, that God heard my prayers, and that He will answer.
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Thanks Megan for the reminder to take the offense and use the wepon of God’s own word against our enemy. I have found some wonderful resourses giving specific scriptures for situations or battle I am going through. Stormie Omartian has some wonderfull books about praying for husbands ,children, and wife. The one that I am in right now is “The Power of Praying Through the Bible”. Kepp up the good fight and you are right Joy does come from intercessory prayer.
I have been so thankful for all the encouragement I have had over the years to use the Book of Psalms as a prayer book. This helps me keep focused and knowing I am praying the heart of God.
Megan:
Thanks for your honesty and transparency. God has given you a big and loving heart. Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with a grateful church. Continue to dig deep into Scripture and you will feel stronger and more prepared as you go into hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.
Thanks Megan for sharing your wisdom of experience and for providing the reminder to pray through the Word always. This keeps us centered in God’s will, which is a powerful place to be and full of joy through an intimate relationship with our Creator. Thanks for sharing!
I tend to struggle with the same first issue–I am confident God hears me, but struggle with trusting Him to answer–and trusting that His answer is ALWAYS good as He is. Several years ago, I found a prayer guide called, “Prayer Portions for the Family” that is almost straight Scripture (I have what is called a “sampler”). It covers so many areas of family life and is awesome–it really does help me pray and even think of things to pray for my family that I never thought of before. I love it! It was compiled by Sylvia Gunter. The publisher is The Father’s Business. I know there is a whole binder–I saw one once and drooled over it–that covers so many areas of life and church life.