“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
Prayer of spiritual warfare is prayer through which a believer stands firmly in God against spiritual opposition, temptation, deception, and the schemes of the devil, relying on God’s power and the authority He gives through Christ. Spiritual warfare is not about fighting people. Scripture makes it clear that our ultimate struggle is spiritual.
This verse teaches us that behind many spiritual struggles, the believer must recognize the reality of spiritual opposition while continuing to trust God.
Spiritual warfare begins with submission to God. Before resisting the devil, we must first submit ourselves to God.
James 4:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Our strength in spiritual warfare does not come from shouting, our emotions, or our own ability. It comes from our relationship with God. A believer who wants victory over spiritual opposition must first remain surrendered to God.
Paul gives believers a picture of the spiritual armour God provides for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13–18).
The armour includes:
The Belt of Truth
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
The Shield of Faith
The Helmet of Salvation
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
Prayer and supplication
Notice that Paul ends the description of the armour with prayer. Prayer keeps us spiritually alert and dependent upon God.
With prayer, the Word of God is also our offensive weapon in fighting against the enemy. Jesus demonstrated this when He was tempted by the devil. In Matthew 4:1–11, Jesus responded to temptation by declaring God’s Word.
Again and again, He said: “It is written…”This teaches us an important principle: We fight spiritual deception with God’s truth. When the enemy tries to fill the mind with lies, we stand upon what God has said.
Psalm 119:11
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
The believer keeps in mind that he is not fighting to have victory, primarily, he is fighting from the place of the victory that Christ has won. This must be our motivation and confidence.
Reflection: From which position do you fight the many battles you are facing presently?
Confession: Christ has won the victory on the cross and I have power and authority over principalities and powers and rulers of darkness. I stay surrendered to God always and I resist the works of the evil one.
Related Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 4:1-11
Bible Reading: Exodus 31
