I never wanted to be a prayer warrior. Wife. Mother. Writer. Absolutely. Food taster or pro shopper?Sure, why not. But prayer warrior? No. I always associated the term with people who were either formal or religious. Yet today, wisdom teaches me that any true Christ follower would be foolish not to have the prayer-warrior aspiration. Now I strive to be that person...the one who is serious about continually connecting with God. Contrary to my longtime belief, it's far simpler than having a strong command of traditional church jargon or proper King James English. All it takes is a sincere heart that reaches out to stay plugged into His presence. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to "pray without ceasing." Not sporadically, but always. I know it's impossible to literally stay on our knees all day long. But it is possible to dwell or commune with Him all day long. It goes beyond quiet time and worship services. It's what spills over into the rest of our day and our life. I believe the true prayer warrior makes God his or her priority and seeks to live a life of worship. He or she should seek to abide in God's presence, or to pray without ceasing. Here are some action reminders to help get us to that place: Cover. We remember to pray for others, but we fail to cover ourselves. If we don't gird ourselves with the armor of God, how useful can we be to His Kingdom? Intercede. How often do we humble ourselves to pray for our enemies? It's easy to pray for those we like, love and support. Serve. If we're too busy to help someone else, are we truly seeking to be about God's business? Praise. We praise God when we actually operate in the gifts and talents He has blessed us with. Minister. God knows who He is, but He takes pleasure in us when we speak or sing praises to Him without asking for a thing. How often do we intentionally take the focus off of wish-list petitions to actually minister to the Lord...and not just in church? Read. Get to know God better; spend time in His Word. A daily Bible-reading plan will keep you close. Study. Further explore what you read to really engrave His Word in your heart. Once we truly get it, we can recall it. But if we're ignorant of God's Word, we're ignorant of His will. Meditate. Find a scripture that resonates with you and ponder, recite and write it whenever you can. One of my favorites is Hebrews 13:8, which states, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." We never have to wake up wondering is He still on the throne or did He change His mind about us. Examine. At every thought, decision or move we make, the question becomes, "Am I glorifying you, Lord, or glorifying me?" Do a spiritual check-up regularly. Then be man or woman enough in that moment to make the appropriate adjustments in God's favor. Lean. To trust in Him with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5) is to dwell with Him. We are fools the minute we trust ourselves over God (Proverbs 28:26).
© Lisa Birch all rights reserved.
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