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The Weapon of Prayer

Every Christian is in a spiritual battle. Satan attack the Lord and he will attack you. Jesus said, "A servant is not greater than his master" (Jn.13:16; 15:20). The one who stands closest to the captain finds the battle the hottest. Every believer needs to put on the "whole armor of God." Putting on the armor is not the battle, it is preparation for the battle.

The battle is presented in Ephesians 6:18. We do not "wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities… powers… the rulers of darkness… spiritual hosts of wickedness" We wrestle them in prayer with weapons that are not material, manufactured, or carnal. The army of God advances on its knees. Many live in defeat because they are not fighting in prayer.

This is illustrated in Ex.17:8-16. Israel is entering the Promised Land when an enemy comes against them. Joshua with the army goes to fight in the valley while Moses stood "on top of the hill with the rod of God." As long as Moses "held up his hand… Israel prevailed." When he was too tired to continue, Aaron and Hur held his arms up. The fight was in the valley, but the real battle was won or lost in prayer on the hill.

Satan mocks our efforts and scorns our commitments, bit he fears our prayer. To spiritually "Go to the Mountain" we must engage in spiritual warfare and prayer is the weapon to take us there. You will win or lose your victory in prayer. Joshua’s success depended on Moses up stretched arms on the mountain.

Series: Meet Me on the Mountain – Part 3
THE WEAPON OF PRAYER
Ephesians 6:18 - 20

God’s army advances on its knees.

1. Spiritual Warfare Requires Continual Prayer

v. 18a "Praying always" - constant communication is an attitude of the heart.

they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine… fellowship… breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Phil.4:6

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Col.4:2

pray without ceasing. 1 Th.5:17

2. Spiritual Warfare requires Varied Prayer

v. 18b "all prayer and supplication."

Every part of our lives is to be bathed in prayer.

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Tim.2:8

3. Spiritual Warfare requires Spirit-led Prayer

v. 18c “in the Spirit"

Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Rom.8:26-27 KJV.

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit." Jude 20

When we pray "in the Spirit" - The Holy Spirit tells us what to pray - The Holy Spirit energizes our prayers

4. Spiritual Warfare requires Watchful Prayer

v. 18d "being watchful"

My ball coach said, "Keep you head in the game."

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mark 14:38

5. Spiritual Warfare requires Persevering Prayer

v. 18e "with all perseverance and supplication"

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it…" Col.4:2

“Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven; it is getting God’s will done on earth." Robert Law

6. Spiritual Warfare requires Intercessory Prayer

V. 18f-20 - "for all the saints"

We are to Intercede for

a. All Believers - v. 18f-20
b. Pastors and Leaders - v.19 a
c. Boldness - v. 19b-20

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech 2 Cor.3:12

The battle is in prayer - preaching and witnessing are collecting the spoils of war won in the battle.