The Efficacy of Prayer - Part 6

Battle Praying

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

I. BEGIN WITH A BATTLE MINDSET
     A. There is a battle going on
     B. A different format and methodology being used 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:12
     C. Stakes are very high; you are either winning or losing-no neutral!
     D. You are in this battle whether you want it or not.
     E. Stay aware of the enemy’s methods and strategies; counter them with Truth

II. KEEP A SOVEREIGN GOD VIEWPOINT
     A. God’s kingdom rules over all.
     B. Enemies can do nothing except as the Sovereign allows.
     C. God is victorious overall and commands us to pray to Him for help
     D. Keep your identity as a child of God and a warrior for the kingdom; you are not just another struggling, surviving human being, but a child of the King!

III. AVOID ABERRATIONS AND OBSESSIONS
     A. Spiritual warfare and demons can become all consuming, to the exclusion of the other enemies of your soul.
     B. The idea of commanding spirits becomes a power trip
     C. Stay with what Scripture speaks and allows; follow the example found in the Scripture; examine what the apostles did and did not do or pray.

IV. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES AND COMMANDS…SEE Eph. 6:18 and Acts 4:24-30
     A. Note the frequency of praying – “always”…”all prayer”
     B. Note the attitude of prayer – “in the Spirit”
     C. Note the vigilance in prayer – “being watchful”
     D. Note the diligence and perseverance in prayer – “all perseverance”
     E. Note the objects of the prayer – “all saints”…”for me”
     F. Note the armament of prayer – “the armor of God”…Eph. 6:13-17, including Truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, Word of God
     G. Note the manner of addressing God – “…You are God, who made…”
     H. Note what God had already said would happen – “by the mouth…”
     I. Set the battle where it truly is – “…against your…”
     J. Address your position and why the enemy is opposing you or identify yourself with the Lord’s battle – “…look on their threats…”
     K. Request His aid since you are in the same battle and the offense is actually against Him and His will, not against you alone.
     L. Seek kingdom authority and aid to do what you know is His will!