And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ~ Matthew 6:13
READING: I Peter 5:8
In her excellent book, Listening Prayer, gifted Christian psychologist Leann Payne tells the story of a time when she and her ministry team faced daunting and wide-spread spiritual attack. She suspected some degree of demonic warfare by the tell-tale confusion, deception and disorientation that rattled and divided her team, just when they needed to be most alert.
She began thinking about lions and other predators. Lions take advantage of their coloration, and sneak up on prey, camouflaged tan-against-tan in the tall grass. But what would happen if someone took a broad brush and painted the lion bright red? They’d stand out like a sore thumb!
She asked God if, in the Spirit, we could pray such a bold prayer – to paint the dragons red that crouch in the camouflage of messy interpersonal relationships. The prayer God helped her to craft has been mightily used by God and has four parts.
“Pray that:
- The eyes of all who surround these people will be opened to see the situation as it really is;
- Their associates will be given ways to speak truth and light into the situation (and be protected themselves);
- Any demonic power within these people or situations manifest itself and that it be clearly discerned and seen by all;
- What can be salvaged (in this situation and in the lives of your enemies) be saved, humbled and blessed by the Spirit of God.”
Leann Payne cautions that if circumstances warrant this warfare prayer, that we pray in deep humility, simultaneously imploring God to “Have mercy on me, a sinner.”
This prayer has amazing effect during times of spiritual attack to dispel confusion and give divine clarity to God’s people.
Father, Make us bold and reliable intercessors as we stand in the victory of Christ. Amen.
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