Now that we have defined what prayer is (see part 1), let’s move a little bit deeper. Before we get into warfare prayer, we must also understand what intercessory prayer is, for one leads to the other. Let’s start with what it is not: it is not a one-time prayer said as an afterthought in your prayer life; it is not a prayer said once, then forgotten. It is not praying for someone while your mind wonders to other areas, and it isn’t something you pray for offhandedly as you remember it.
It is important for Christians to practice intercessory prayer. Jesus is our ultimate example, and the One whom we aspire to be like. Jesus intercedes on our behalf, and we should follow His example by also interceding on behalf of one another.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy, 2:5
“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
Intercessory prayer is the earnest heart-wrenching prayer that you pray for a certain length of time until God prompts you to stop. It takes time out of your life to intercede on behalf of those God lays on your heart. It is a heavy burden that calls you to prayer. It is a weight on your heart that says prayer is needed now before it is too late. It can happen at any moment and ends only at God’s releasing. As an example, if it is for a person, that person might be going through some personal problems that threaten to overwhelm him/her, and your intercessory prayer might just be what’s necessary to get them through it. Intercessory prayer is stepping into that person’s place on their behalf and pleading the blood of Christ upon those who can’t do it themselves. It is asking God to take their burden and put it on your shoulders until He has stepped in and brought a solution to whatever they are facing. One needs to be willing to prayerfully help them out of whatever situation they are in. Time must not be a factor in one’s prayer, but one must also be willing to work within God’s timing and pray until he/she feels the burden lifted or a release from God for one’s part to pray. One may not even know who or what he/she is praying for, but a sense of urgency for prayer is felt strongly.
Now comes the hard part: Warfare prayer. This is perhaps the hardest part of prayer. If your prayer life is simple and about five minutes a day, then the enemy doesn’t fear you. You are not actively fighting the enemy but are just praying to ease your conscience. But when you truly start to intercede for someone, then the enemy takes notice. He will then attack you in every way he can, and he will use any means necessary. He will remind you of how you have sinned, therefore you are not worthy to pray for someone now because, after all, the Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, KJV. Knowing that all have sinned, you can ignore him when he tries this tactic, and get back to praying for the purposes that God set out for you. At this point, the enemy may get personal and bring up your most recent sins to stop your praying; he may even try to get you to doubt your own salvation! When he reminds you of your past, you can and should remind him of his future, then get back to praying. If he continues, and he will sometimes, rebuke him in Jesus’ name and go back to the prayers God laid on your heart. Do not waste time with the enemy for this is another trick that he uses. He will take you from your prayer to focus on battling him. Stick to the prayer put on your heart. Resist the devil and eventually he will flee.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7, KJV
It is important to not get sidetracked concerning the subject you’re praying about to battle the devil. Ignore him and just pray for what is laid on your heart. In doing this, you will win the warfare prayer battle.
Warfare prayer will be tough, and the enemy’s attacks will be catered to your own weaknesses. Remember that the Lord is our strength, shield, and protector, and as hard as it may seem, fight the good fight, and pray for the Lord to always help you to be the Overcomer.