It was late, and a friend was in trouble. He called me for prayer. As I hung up the phone, he said, “I knew I could count on you. You are a prayer warrior.” I was honored that he called in a time of need. I was especially honored that he considered me a prayer warrior. As my heart turned toward Heaven, the sound of his voice lingered in my mind, “I knew I could count on you. You are a prayer warrior.”
What an incredible responsibility. Could I be counted on in a time of need? If my prayer was to be the tie-breaker concerning a matter of life or death, could I even get a hearing in Heaven? As the spiritual battlefield is assembled, can I pull my weight? When family and friends count on me to join them in calling on Heaven’s power, do I have a prayer?
When it comes to crisis, I often feel more like a worrier than a warrior. James promises the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Based on the results I sometimes get, it is easy to second-guess the power and effectiveness of my prayers.
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This verse was written for worriers like me. I find it hard to approach the Lord with confidence knowing He knows me better than I know myself. I feel so unworthy. But this verse reminds me that my righteousness is not based on my own ability but on His mercy and grace. Whew! I feel better already.
The more I pray, the more I realize prayer has more to do with changing my heart than it does the heart of God. Prayer simply reminds me that He is in control and that worrying about a situation or circumstance will prove ineffective. But the prayer of a righteous man-now that is the makings for a real prayer warrior.
Being a warrior takes practice and preparedness. It is hard to imagine a soldier walking into battle without first preparing himself for war. Daily drills prepare him for the day when his training is needed most.
It is no different for the prayer warrior. Daily prayers prepare the prayer warrior for the times when someone calls seeking comfort from a friend who gets his orders from the Man upstairs. It is then that the prayer warrior is called into action. He is ready, able and honored to fulfill his duty.
Being a warrior or a worrier is a matter of choice. If we are who we say we are, then we are under obligation to be the real deal. Our friends and family are counting on us. When we show up, all of Heaven stands ready to respond.
Atench-hut soldier! This is war. Your response in time of need will define you as a prayer warrior or worrier. Forward march! Let’s approach the throne with confidence, knowing His mercy and grace are sufficient. And as Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
