A Prayer to Fight against the Work of the Enemy
By Emma Danzey
“Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all.” - Jude 3
It can seem like a mountain-sized challenge to fight against the work of the enemy each day. We can be tempted to ignore the spiritual battle taking place out of fear or indifference. We can fix our eyes on the temporary instead of the eternal.
Jude 3 reminds us to contend or struggle for the faith. We are called to step up and lean into the power of God’s Spirit to live out His fruits of the Spirit each day. When I was growing up, people would say, “You might be the only Bible someone ever reads.” As we present the truths of the Word in our speech and conduct, we recognize that we need the Lord’s help. We are sinful and do not represent Christ well much of the time. However, when we live by His Spirit, we can do this in a way that honors Him well and communicates the message of the gospel effectively.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus,
We need you today. Help us to be aware of the spiritual forces working against us. Yet, help us to remember 1 Corinthians 15:57, which says, “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thank You for already giving us the victory in Jesus. Would you enable us to wrestle well today? When we are in the midst of the battle, may we remember that You have won the war. When we are weary and tired of praying, would you convict us and speak for us? When we are sickened by the ways of the culture around us and burdened for them, remind us of Your working power of love and salvation for all who believe in You.
Jesus, help us not to be led by judgmental or harsh attitudes. Give us hearts of compassion and gentleness towards others as we stand up for what we know to be true. Enable us to learn, memorize, and remember Your Scriptures. You say in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God, use Your Words to empower and enable me in all of these ways. Motivate me to read it, ponder it, and share it. Convict me when I am tempted to hide Your Word and not share it with others. Open up opportunities to share about the hope that I have in You.
God, please grow me in the areas of trust that I am lacking. Lift me up out of the places where I am stagnant or in a pit. Help me to press into the struggle against the enemy and not stand by passively. Give me the words to talk into a hateful culture where there is anger and bitterness towards You. Enable me to speak life and love into that. Guide me with a kind and compassionate demeanor even when others are angry or unkind. Remind me of Your strength in Your approach to many who did not like You or what You had to say.
Help me not to be a people pleaser but a Christ follower. Where I have stepped out of the fight by fear of man, push me back into the ring and give me the ability to wrestle well. I cannot do this on my own strength. You say in Philippians 2:16, “As you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” Help my work for You and my witness and apologetics for You, not to be in pride or in vain. Keep me humble and pure before You as I speak and live in a time where many have fallen away from the truth of the gospel message and the Word of God. Amen.
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