PRAYER IS THE BATTLE

 Very recently, it has dawned on me (DUH) that PRAYER IS THE BATTLE.  It is a battle because we must battle against ourselves, our relationships, our surroundings, and against the tempter, the ole liar.  Of course, the battle is FOR  those for whom we pray also.  I began to look for the thought and found the statement made by a revivalist, Leonard Ravenhill, now deceased.
                           
 Prayer is battle. Could it be that in our churches the right
slogan over the door of most of our prayer rooms would be “We
Wrestle Not”? I often see listed in churches names of athletes
who will play ball of some kind, but I would like to see these
“muscle men” operating where strength really counts – that is, in
the place of prayer. Prayer taxes even the physical frame; prayer 
wears on the nerves; prayer involves the whole man. Prayer must
have priority. Prayer must be our bolt to lock up the night,
our key to open the day. Prayer is power. Prayer is wealth.
Prayer is health of the soul." - Leonard Ravenhill | Revival-Library  

I remind you and me that anytime for pray for men, women, boys and girls to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, it is a battle.  A battle ensues: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms."  Ephesians 6:12  Praying for those whom God puts on our hearts who are deep into the dark world of addictions...it is a battle against the hold of the evil one who is great, even though the Cross has broken the addictive hold, yet the one addicted must humble himself/herself to receive and live out the Truth of the benefit of salvation. The hold of the penalty and the power of sin was broken at Calvary and the empty tomb! Consider praying for those bound by grave illnesses, cancers, etc.....it is a battle.  Sometimes the ill one may die, and then the battle can become "why pray?" When we don't see the results of our prayers WHEN we want to see them, or they may not happen as we prayed for them to occur...again the battle against the taunts of the evil one:  "You must not have had enough faith."  You don't deserve for God to answer your prayer."  "Who do you think you are?"  Sound familiar?  

I cannot think of any circumstance that comes to us that prayer is not the battle!  Hear again a verse, a command, from Ephesians 6:18, "AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS WITH ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS AND REQUESTS.  WITH THIS IN MIND, BE ALERT AND ALWAYS KEEP ON PRAYING FOR ALL THE SAINTS."  James reminds us that the fervent prayers of a righteous man/woman are effective. ( James 5:16) That is an ensuring promise. What has God put in and on your heart that you are willing to believe that your prayer can be effective and change any and all situations and hearts of any and all people? Holy Spirit of God, teach us to be effective in our prayers for Your glory and the sake of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus.  Ever learning!  In process!  #IHAVETHREESONS.