Prayer Warriors

My brother-in-law sent me an e-mail today and mentioned “prayer warriors,” and I realized I have never really liked that term. So, I thought about why I don’t like it.

The hubby has two brothers and one is being tested for some recent and sudden health issues. We have begun praying for him and his situation, as well as asking others to pray for him as well. It was in this context that B was talking about prayer warriors.

Now, B is a definite Type-A personality and thinks anything can be accomplished if you want it badly enough, and are forceful in making it happen. This attitude has always troubled me. There are some things always out of my ability to achieve – and so it is for everyone. I have a friend who is 4 feet, 11 inches tall and has mild cerebral palsy. She will never play for the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association). However, although I am 6 feet tall, I also will never play for them. It doesn’t matter how much I might have wanted to play professional basketball. When I was of the age to play, they didn’t exist – the league was only founded in 1996. A 35-year-old power forward? I’m thinking, no.

I think this is the idea I have when I hear prayer “warriors.” It makes it sound like the people praying are doing battle for the person for whom they are praying. It’s the wrong focus, to my mind. We have no power or ability to make spiritual war for anyone. Only God is able to defeat Satan and sin, and Jesus has done that for us. We had no part in that defeat. We reap the benefits. We are to be watchful, and to intercede, but the “war” is God’s. To my way of thinking, in intercession, we are pleading with God to do what we ask – if it is His Will. “Warriors” sounds to me like we’re storming the castle and taking what we want from God. WRONG! Ephesians 6:10-13 says we are to put on the whole armour of God, and once we’ve done that, to “stand firm.” Stand! Not make war.

I think the closest we get to “demanding” is to remind God of the promises He has made to us. But, even then, we’re saying, “remember when You said… well, I am standing in faith on that promise.” That type of supplication has to do with our trust that God will accomplish what He said He would. And, it is still left up to His Will as to whether that is good for us, or right for us at a particular time.

I don’t know that there is any other term I could use. In churches where we have attended, I’ve been part of prayer chains, circles, and groups. We were “members” of the “prayer group.” The Bible talks about intercession and it is also a spiritual gift. I think the term “intercessor” is more accurate of the relationship – going between the one needing prayer, and the One Who alone answers prayer. I could be all wrong on this, but it’s just the way I see it.

Until next time, take time to pray to the only true God for those in need…