women’s ministrybloom

The Weapon of PrayerIn Times of Crisis

Lisa McGloiry

Saturday, June 6

The Weapon of Prayer In Times of Crisis

— Lisa L. McGloiry

Key Takeaways

I. Tough times require 1) more prayer and 2) a prayer strategy.

II. There is a real war raging against you in the spiritual realm that you cannot see with your natural eyes. “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

III. Your real enemy is not your husband, boss, neighbor, or anyone giving you trouble. You have a real enemy and his name is Satan. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

— JOHN 10:10

IV. Gone are the days of casual, “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of praying. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man or woman accomplishes much.”

— JOHN 5:16 NOTE: A literal Greek interpretation would say it this way: “The energized prayer of a righteous man is of great force.” Buzz Words: Energized, Strong, Forceful, Impactful

V. Prayer is a 1) powerful weapon and 2) missile.

• You need training to use any type of weapon and prayer is no different.

• Missiles have incredible power to reach the heavens and all around the earth. Prayer is your missile to target and fight any type of crisis.

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” — PSALM 4:1

“Evening and morning and at noon, I utter my complaint and moan, and He hears my voice.” — PSALM 55:17

“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and He was heard because of his reverence.” — HEBREWS 5:7

VI. When we pray, God promises to answer and move supernaturally on our behalf. He is waiting for us to boldly ask Him to do mighty works in prayer. “Call unto me and I will answer show the great and mighty things that though knowest not.” — JEREMIAH 33:3 "You do not have because you do not ask." — JAMES 4:2

Missile Prayer Example: “Thank you, God, for being so powerful and wise. I know you have the answer to this situation that has left me powerless, uncertain, and afraid. Satan and his tactics are defeated! I praise you because you’re a powerful, mighty, and loving God. No one can move heaven and earth like you. Thank you for giving me your wisdom and a strategy to fight this crisis and experience victory in Jesus. Amen.”

II. Five Strategies for “Energized, Strong, Forceful, Prayer with Impact.”

A. Re-evaluate your Communication with God Back to Basics – Definition: Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God. Spend more time listening than talking. Learn to listen to His voice.“ He wants to talk to you and tell you important things regarding your current crisis and things coming up in the future.

B. Dedicate a place to pray to be alone with God — free from distractions.

1. Consecrate that space the Lord. This gives God notice that you are serious about meeting with Him.

2. Meet God there each day.

C. Start your day with God. “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” — PSALM 5:3 “Oh God, thou art my God, early in the morning will I seek thee. My soul thirsts for thee, my flesh longs for thee, in a dry and thirsty land, where there is no water.” — PSALM 63:1 “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” — MARK 1:35

D. Pray the Word and remind God of His Promises. 1. When you pray the scriptures you are praying in obedience to his Word.

Your will and perspective about the crisis will become aligned with His Word.

2. God loves it when you remind Him of what He said.

Fast Tip: Download a Free Bible Commentary App. Conduct a Google search on your problem area (Bible verses on Cancer, Debt, etc.). Memorize the verses and speak them back to God.

Missile Prayer for Wisdom Example: “Lord, I need wisdom, I don’t know how to approach this problem. You said in James 1:5, that I can come to you for wisdom and you will freely give it to me and you won’t beat me up for asking. Please help me Father, I just don’t know what to do. I need help!”

Missile Prayer for Finances Example: “Dear Father, I’m stressing out. If you don’t show up for me I’m not going to have enough money to get by this month. Lord, I’m reminding you what you said in Philippians 4:19, that you would supply all my needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I am trusting you for a financial miracle now! Please give me wisdom and a strategy for getting out of debt and help me to become a better steward of my finances.”

Fast Tip: Use imagery from Bible verses to help shape your prayers. Missile Prayer to Pray against Racial Injustice, Prejudice, and Bigotry Example

“Father, in Revelation 7:9-10, you said that all nations, people and languages will gather around your throne praising you. May you make that a reality on earth — right here in America. Lord will you help the church (body of Christ) set the example and lead the way? The Bible says you don’t pay attention to outside appearance, or the color of one’s skin, because you look at our hearts. Examine my heart Lord, what do you see? If you do find anything displeasing to you, please reveal it to me through your Holy Spirit so I can acknowledge it and repent. Lord, I don’t know what to do about this racial problem, but can you help me respond and take action like Jesus? Help me to show love, compassion, and empathy to those who are hurting and victimized. Help me to also call out and take a stand against injustice when I see it — just like your son, Jesus.”

E. Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you pray.

“God has given us His Holy Spirit as a Helper who “will teach you all things”

— JOHN 14:26

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” — ROMANS 8:26

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

— EPHESIANS 6:18 “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” — I COR. 2:10

Action Steps:

1. Ask the Spirit to tell you what to pray.

2. Ask the Spirit for His wisdom and to guide you.

3. Ask the Spirit to reveal the truth and any deception from the enemy.

“So why is this all important? Energized, strong, forceful, and impactful prayers are not just to relieve us of our crisis. It is to give us a testimony to share with others of how God answered prayer and demonstrated His goodness, provision, and miracle-working power so that others can come to know Jesus. I am praying for you! Keep in touch!”

In Christ, Lis- Lisa McGloiry Lmcgloiry@shepherdchurch.com