7 Prayers That Work

  Lord God of heaven, You are above all things and more powerful than any spiritual enemy. You know I'm under a spiritual attack . It's been going on awhile, and it just keeps getting worse. But you've beaten the devil many times, so he's no big deal to you. You've even given me the Holy Spirit so I can beat him. In your power, I've done it before, but I'm having trouble today. I feel like giving up. Yet-- You touched me and called me "highly esteemed." You say I'm worthy of your death, worthy of everlasting life. Your angels labor to come to my aid. They fight against the demons assigned to hurt me. Because the devil knows the calling on my life, and he knows what happens when your children are fully surrendered to you. God, I fully surrender myself to you again today, every minute, every moment when I have another selfish thought or another vengeful emotion-- I again surrender . Sometimes, I do it grudgingly. Always in desperation. Always yo...

  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  ( Ephesians 6:17-18 ) Oh, Lord God, I feel alone this fight of living, trudging in a wavering line day in and day out, toward a distant goal. I feel isolated and defeated in a war  against me (against YOU) and a world system that races hell-bent toward destruction. I wasn't made for this, and so my soul aches for what I've lost , what I can't achieve, and what I think I need. My spirit groans , even as I remind myself of your truth. But you are my weapon of defense. You are my strong tower. You are my commander and my rear guard. You are conqueror, king, and savior. You are victory. You walk with me through the valley of death. You seat me in the presence of my enemies . You offer freedom to me ...

Lord God Almighty, You give us power to bind evil spirits and speak your powerful name in the heavenly realms. You indwell us and infuse us with your miraculous power. I pray for that power today. I ask for your holy angels to wage war over me and my family this day. Fight over my church , over our mission and our future. I bind the spiritual enemies of darkness is Jesus' name [be specific]: confusion, disunity, fear, hate, death, trauma, depression, addiction, abuse, jealousy, insecurity, competition, contention-- I break these off in Jesus' name and cast them back to hell. They have no hold over me or my family. They cannot squelch the Spirit of God  or the power of God's holy work in me and in the world. Break open the heavens and accomplish your will in me. I claim the freedom and authority that you have already spoken over my life. I have already won because you have won . I am free because you said so. Because you died for me. Because you live. I pray all these thi...

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies . You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. " (Psalm 23:5-6) Well,  Lord, It's been that kind of year. Hard . I know you understand. You know what it's like to sit surrounded by enemies, to know that people are not what they always portray themselves to be, even while they sit next to you and join your life. You know that anyone can say "Lord, Lord," even while they hurt the Church and the world. So you inspired David to sing:     "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies... my cups overflows." ( Psalm 23:5 ) You chose Israel as your special people,  even though they worshipped idols and forgot you again and again. You chose Judas Iscariot to be one of your twelve most intimate friends. You knew he'd betray you, and you picked him anyway. You...

Lord Jesus, You are powerful and mighty, you are full of grace and mercy. You have plans that we cannot comprehend, that stretch across millennium and yet see every single person. My battle belongs to you. You will show a victory-- your victory-- which is always about souls and always for your glory. Help me join what you are doing and fight what you are fighting. This battle -- and every battle I face--belongs to you. I can't wait to see how you're going to win it. I love you. In Jesus' name, Amen. "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword  or spear that the  Lord  saves;  for the battle  is the  Lord ’s" ( 1 Samuel 17:47 ) Some other prayers of spiritual warfare: Will you pray for us? (trending #1 for the last week on 7 Prayers That Work) What satan has robbed you of and how to get it back Kick the devil's butt today--he's going to lose anyway My intercessory prayer for you Spiritual warfare over the rebellious child (#1 post of all t...

The devil is a thief, and he is robbing you of something that God intends to use for a great purpose. What has satan robbed you of? Do you want it back ? Mark 9 tells the story of a man who comes to Jesus because his child is demon-possessed. He says, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." What are you unable to overcome ? Has the devil robbed you of any of these gifts: courage to do something hard confidence to make decisions empathy for people you don't understand boldness to speak truth willingness to share yourself with the body of Christ faith to follow God's word over cultural norms compassion for the needy trust that God is working in someone's life conviction to share the gospel peace that God is caring for you humility t...

Lord of heaven, Kick the devil's butt today. He's going to lose anyway. I mean it. I'm so tired of his work. I pray the Holy Spirit's power over my city, my church, and my family right now. I'm so sick of watching the enemy stir up trouble, use believers to spread dissension , and generate fear in his own people, who should be fearless under the powerful hand of God. Lord, hear my prayer . Wipe out deceivers. Shut up the complainers . Quench the rumors. Encourage the weak-minded. Empower the obedient to speak truth, fight evil, and more forward. Forgive our sins, Lord. The battle belongs to the Lord, today and every day. I pray that you stamp out the enemy of our souls. In Jesus' mighty name,  Amen. "... my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,   holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with re...

Lord God,  Defender of our souls and our Conquerer, I shout praises to you because you are holy , righteous, just, merciful, and fierce . How awesome are you wonderful works on my behalf! Your enemies cringe before your power. Why am I afraid ? Why do I think you haven't got things well in hand? You have raised the dead ,  held back waters, brought dead bones to life, healed the sick, given sight to the blind, defeated the devil. Nothing is too hard for you in my life or anywhere. Pour out your power on me. Hold back my stormy seas. Work a miracle in me and through me. I pray Jesus' name over the destruction that's coming against my life . In Jesus' name, Amen. "Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf." (Psalm 66)

What are you praying against? Today I read Ephesians 5-6. Although the words are very familiar--I have a lot of it memorized--one section jumped out at me. It's where I've been living and struggling. It's time to face the music. The passage introduces a reason and a strategy for defeating everything that's wrong in the world and everything that's wrong inside me. All my anxiety and stress. All my misguided competitiveness. All my pride and confusion. All my "righteous" indignation. I'm reminded who and what I fight against. What I've forgotten to fight against. Reading this liberates and challenges me in my focus. Perhaps it will help you as well... Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world...

  Oh, Lord, Please give my friend courage and wisdom to stand in the midst of crisis. May ________ see true North-- You are guiding _______ toward the light of your purpose. You have a greater plan for ________ than anyone can see. Transfer your power because you are the Rock. Affirm your steadfastness because you are the God who is Present . Remind of your love because you are Jesus, Savior. Whisper encouragement because you are the Comforter. Infuse boldness because you are the Mighty God of vengeance and the Defender of our souls. Nothing is too hard for you. Nothing surprises you. Nothing changes your plan of love and salvation for us. May ________ feel your presence before, beside, behind, and with him/her because you are a God who protects us. Fight for us and win for us. It's what you do! Surround us. We are safe with you. In Jesus' Everlasting name, Amen. 2 Kings 6 :13-18 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surroun...

  Dear Lord Jesus, You talked a lot about the kingdom of heaven . That term seems a little mysterious. I guess your listeners didn't understand it either because you explained it over and over. I'm asking your Holy Spirit to help me understand it. I'm praying for the kingdom of heaven in my life. Help me to sow good habits into my life so I can grow (Matt. 13:24) Make me like a mustard seed, small and humble, but fruitful. May my life grow to be a shade tree for everyone else (Matt. 13:33) Help me seek your kingdom because it is a great treasure . Make me brave enough to give up everything for it (Matt. 13:44) Give me perspective to live with a kingdom mindset--to see your gospel as a pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45) May my life be like a welcoming household, filled with treasures (Matt. 13:52) Give me your power, to bind evil in your name (Matt. 16:19) Make me humble , teachable, and joyful like a child (Matt. 18:4) Build into me responsibility, stewardship , and ear...

God Almighty, Give ___________ discernment and courage to develop and protect godly relationships. Reveal any faulty theology and secular mindsets. Open doors for spiritual relationships and mentoring. Help ___________ seek wise counsel in crisis and decision-making . Encourage ____________'s spirit, soul, and mind-- fight off insecurity and self-loathing and fill ____________ with a knowledge of your infinite love and unending grace. Prepare in _____________ a determination to serve and trust you all of his/her life. Guide ______________ today into your presence . Fill ___________ with the Holy Spirit and a heart of compassion . Thank you for the blessing of knowing ___________. Use me to influence him/her. In Jesus' name, Amen. Click here for "A Prayer for students" Click here for "How to pray God's word over your kids" For this reason, since the day we heard about you,  we have not stopped praying for you.  We continually ...

Lord Jesus, You're having such an amazing week at camp watching your children love your children. The little ones, away from home for the first time, are making friends, trying foods, listening to lessons, playing new game, admiring teenagers, learning more about who you are. This week will change them forever. The teenagers, away from friends and parents, are taking care of children, applying sunscreen, wiping tables, counting heads, organizing activities, leading cheers, sacrificing themselves for little people. This week will change them forever. The adults, away from work and families, are organizing events, mentoring teenagers, hugging children, losing sleep, staying positive, teaching lessons, running games, investing in the future. This week will change them forever. I pray your blessing over all of them. Keep them safe, healthy, receptive, tender. You want to speak to each of them. You want to nudge them into the next phase of the...

Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ, I ask for you to join me in war against the enemy of discouragement. I pray against a lack of confidence and hope for my loved one. I pray in Jesus' name that your forces will defeat all that come against life and love and holiness. Bring him a miraculous intervention-- a resolution, a celebration, a season of hope and renewal-- because the forces that come with you are stronger than the forces that come against him. The war is already won. But it'd be nice if you could just knock this battle out for him. I know you want to grow him by bringing him through a valley. He knows that. We know that. But life is still so hard, and people can be so cruel. They say things that discourage, deflate, and destroy confidence, hope, and vision. You understand. Sometimes, you just can't take it anymore. Give my loved one thick skin, a tender touch, and a gracious heart. May he reach out when others push. May he...

Lord, the powerful God, Deliver my friend from spiritual bondage-- from fear, bitterness, anger, victimization, danger. I pray against the spirits of fear and confusion, of bitterness and hate. I pray for hope, healing, and restoration to the daughter you created her to be. You replace ashes with beauty. You place the orphans in families. You are a husband to the widow. You are judge to the lawless. You bring hope to the hopeless, sight to the unseeing, healing to the broken, justice to the oppressed, friendship to the friendless, love to the unloved. Delivering my friend from her spiritual struggles is no problem for you. Just another day's work for the God of the universe. I am in awe of you. In Jesus' holy and mighty name, Amen.

Lord, You know I'm leaving on a mission trip in a few days. I'm a bit of a lunatic right now-- so much to do, and so many concerns. I know you'll give me enough time and energy to do it. I know I need to focus on prayer and preparation of my heart. I know it's about you, not me. Help me. And go before me. I pray your Spirit to hover over our destination, to stir hearts and longings to know you. I ask that your angels wage war in the spirit realm, binding the enemy who enslaves and robs and lies to these dear people. In Jesus' name, open up the heavens and pour out your Spirit on this country and on my team. Fill us and use us and change us, O God, according to your will and your purpose. May our insecurity, pride, and fear not stand in the way of your work. Overwhelm us with your love and power. Transform us. Transform these people. May they bind the devil in Jesus' name. I pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen...

Lord of Heaven, You have angels at your disposal, worshipping You, defending Your holiness, protecting us, Your children. You are great and mighty in power and full of love and mercy. I ask You to send more angels to surround my kids today. Minister to them-- encourage them, guard them, defend them against the onslaught of the evil one. Wage war over them because You created them to be filled with power and authority in Jesus' name. You intend for them to silence evil, withstand persecution, and glorify You. May my kids honor and please You today with their thoughts, actions, and motivations. May they be pure in heart and mind. May they function as You intended, surrounded by heavenly hosts with swords drawn and voices like thunder. In the power of the Holy Spirit, my kids will slay spiritual giants and conquer enemy territory. I believe it in the name of Jesus, the King of all Kings. Thank You for Your angels. I call on them in Jesus' holy name--...

Sometimes, we notice our children slipping away from active faith. Or we notice stagnant lives, and we stress about them taking a spiritual nose-dive. Or perhaps they are actively pursuing God, yet we worry about outside influences. And then there are those frightening times when they just don't care about God at all; perhaps they are making dangerous and sinful choices. And we can't stop it. BUT WE CAN PRAY ! Here's a prayer of spiritual warfare  to pray over your wayward child: Dear Father in Heaven, You understand a parent's heart. You know that even though I trust You, it's so hard to leave my child completely in Your hands. I'm worried, even angry about the evil influences that push against ________. Please place Your hands around _________ and guide him/her into Your presence. Give him/her a thirst for You and a dissatisfaction for the pleasures of this world. Place people in _________'s path to influence and encourage him/her toward the...

Lord Jesus, Protector and Provider-- I pray your powerful hand of protection of the believers of the world. I pray for their souls to be full with the knowledge of You. I pray for boldness and protection as they share the gospel in hostile territories. I pray that their lives will radiate the love of Jesus as they go about their daily business. Give them fierce angels to wage warfare on their behalf, to cover them with protection, and to guide them to the battles You want them to fight. Give them victory against their spiritual enemies! Fill them with peace as they fulfill their calling. Protect their spouses and children with Your loving hands; let them live victorious and impactful lives on this earth and for eternity. Bless them, oh Lord! Give these warriors heaven's eyes--help them see with Your perspective and act for Your glory! In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. image by  Jean Beaufort

Dear Yaweh Nissi, the Lord my Banner , Wave above me in the fray, This, your fight, is why You came; Holiness defends Your name. I await the victory day When all people will proclaim, The Lord reigns, He cannot flee. The Lord sustains, He won't forsake. The Lord forgives and peace He makes. The Lord gives hope, He won't despair. The Lord will triumph for my sake. Lord, go with me in the fray, You, Almighty, Elohim, Doom advances, hope grows dim; Faith alone will help me say, Victory comes through rest in Him. Holy Spirit, Father, Christ, who made the world, who paid the price, who give me strength, and calm my heart, who know my fears in hidden parts-- Lift my arms. Stretch my view! May I find all strength in You! Give me friends who hold me up I believe You fill my cup with blessings, impact, suffering-- I will fight for Jesus' sake. It's your battle, it's your war, It's your victory, and so much more. Throughout history an...