We do not War alone - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 19, 2021

We do not war on our own. The Lord in His kindness will give us brothers and sisters in Christ to stand alongside us for the spiritual fights. Even David who felled Goliath was not an army of one, technically. The Bible speaks of an army under King Saul, which included David's older brothers (1 Samuel 17).

Unfortunately, many of us well-meaning believers in God think we can go into spiritual battles alone. Sure, we call on God to help us. However, we neglect to apply the war strategies God has given us - one of which is to war with others. Think about it, Jesus was the Son of God - God in physical form on earth. And yet, when He was burdened, He called on three of His disciples to accompany Him to Gethsemane. Once there, He asked them to "keep watch" with Him (Matthew 26:36). He wasn't telling them to just watch out for possible intruders. No, He wanted them to pray with Him!

Now, if Jesus wanted others to pray with Him, why do some of us not think to invite others to stand with us in prayer?

Sometimes, people don't want to impose on others. However, this is unscriptural as Christians are instructed to pray for "all people" (1 Timothy 2:1). There are very few cases where praying for folks isn't the way to go. In many cases, pride can also be the culprit. We don't want to seem insecure or imperfect to others because we have a reputation to protect.

Please be aware that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Do not deprive others of the opportunity to give and be blessed by warring alongside you.

Now, I have to add an important caveat. 2 Corinthians 9:6 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Some of us think if we can just get someone to pray for or with us, our issues will be resolved. If we want to get the most out of prayer partnerships, we have to be people who actually intercede for others. That requires we 'beef up' spiritually. We must intentionally create time each day to read our Bibles (so we know how to pray aright with the word), praise, and intercede among other things. We have to be the sort of people who reflect a genuine love and concern for God's people and not because we're calculating what we'll receive. Deuteronomy 15:10 - Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Will you join me today as an intercessor? There's a reason Jesus said in Matthew 18:19-20 - “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Even He spoke of people gathering in His name and not operate alone. Remember God doesn't work alone. He can, but chooses to share His glory with Jesus, the Holy Spirit and we mere mortals.

Let us learn to be more like Him. Let us gather today as the children of God who war for others. Who send demons fleeing. Who terrify the very bowels of hell with our praise and worship and set problems aflame in the fire of the Lord. See you at 12 Noon EST.