Have you ever met a prayer warrior?
I mean, a prayer warrior, someone that you would say, “yep. They are a warrior of prayer.” Have you met someone like that before? I have several in my life that I would consider to be prayer warriors. In fact, I would even be bold as to say that a lot of them are “my prayer warriors”. I can go to them with specific needs and I know without a doubt that it will be prayed for. They treat prayer like we are in a war of souls. They use rich prayers, and these people look, hear and even smell like they have a love for Jesus that goes beyond what most people experience.
They pray…
Fervently.
Richly.
Earnestly.
Faithfully.
What struck me today was what makes a prayer warrior. Have you wondered that? Have you wondered where these people come from? Why they have been bestowed a special gift that no one else can share? (Ok, I admit I have thought that before, haven’t you?)
But this is not the case. There isn’t any special access to God that you and I don’t have access to.
I am pretty sure one of the reasons these people are prayer warriors is because they have spent time with Jesus. I am also pretty sure that the time that they spend with Jesus is substantial, sacrificial, and out of a deep love and care for people. They pray because they know that prayer is the best thing that they can do, not just something they can do… but the best thing. And not only that, but they have a humble confidence in faith, believing that God will hear what they are asking for and that this prayer that they pray can come true. It doesn’t mean that it will come true to the way we see it, but prayer is something these prayer warriors feel is a viable solution to a problem.
But I don’t think it takes much to start this, minus some perseverance to get going. I think it takes a willing heart. My desire is to become a prayer warrior. There, I said it. And yes, accountability to this is key. As I celebrate the day of my 20th year as a follower of Jesus, I hope and pray that the next 20 years are filled with these words… “Wes the Prayer Warrior.”
The Apostle Paul has a great example of a prayer in Ephesians 3, which I would consider to be an acceptance into the prayer warrior club, if there ever was one. This is also a section that my daughter just finished memorizing. Just read his words in Ephesians 3:14-21,
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
I want this prayer.
I want this prayer prayed over me.
I want to pray this prayer over others.
What is unique about this specific prayer is that warriors like the Apostle Paul have already prayed it. It’s a promise of scripture and I can pray this over myself and others because it is written and available to us. All of us.
If you want to be a prayer warrior… then be one. Make routines, pound it into your schedule and beat back the tendencies you have to push it aside. When someone asks for prayer, pray for them right then and there. Don’t wait and give yourself the opportunity to forget. Plus, they will appreciate the connection in prayer as you pray for them. Remember, “Where 2 or 3 are gathered, there I am also” – Mt. 18:20.
Be a prayer warrior.
Be a warrior for Jesus.
This is available to you now.
Today.
Enjoy!
Wes Linde
SouthRidge Fellowship