Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #1 — Be A Prayer Warrior

Picture: Counsel #1 — Be A Prayer Warrior CCL 56.1

Many people know the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17 refers to the Word of God. But there's more to it than that. The next verse tells us not only to pray for ourselves but also for others. We don't fight spiritual battles just by reading and interacting with Scripture. We do it by praying for others and asking God to weaken the enemy's power. Through prayer, we can prayer-bomb Satan's kingdom and reduce his influence. Through prayer, we can ask for opportunities and outcomes that win people over to God’s kingdom.^[83] Make a list of 7—10 people and consistently pray they will be won for God’s kingdom in the next 12 months. CCL 56.2

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 CCL 56.3

“Every effort made for Christ will react in blessing upon ourselves. If we use our means for His glory, He will give us more. As we seek to win others to Christ, bearing the burden of souls in our prayers, our own hearts will throb with the quickening influence of God's grace; our own affections will glow with more divine fervor; our whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.” Ellen White in Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 354.2 CCL 56.4

Reflect: What people and situations can you pray for to advance God’s kingdom and defeat the devil? CCL 56.5