Battle Prayer

“I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me!” shouted Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:10 NLT

Victory was assured for the Philistines this time, but it would cost many lives. With the Israelites equally concerned about their impending doom, both sides agreed to settle the outcome of this battle by sending one representative to the front lines for a winner-take-all round of ultimate fighting. In the Philistines’ corner strutted a giant of a man, Goliath, wearing full body armor, carrying a heavy bronze spear and hurling venomous insults at the Israelites. In the opposite corner stood a young shepherd, David, armed with his wooden staff, a sling and five stones. As a retort to Goliath’s threats, David shouted his battle cry:

“I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty-the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you . . . and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the Lord does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

I am the Philistines when I am:
Threatening someone weaker
Secure in my own strength
Taking what is not mine
Trusting in gods manufactured out of stone, metal and wood
Supported by like-minded others
Basing my courage on my invincible weapons
Sure that my strategy is flawless
Unconcerned about the injuries inflicted upon the enemy
Trusting in my fellow warriors
Motivated by greed, lust, and arrogance.

Forgive me, Lord, when I am like the Philistines.

I am Goliath when I am:
Convinced that I alone can save my family, team, and nation
Sure that size matters
Miscalculating my opponent’s desire to win
Calling people insulting names
Focused on mocking others
Using my influence for selfish ambition
Spewing vile threats
Counting on the latest armor to protect me
Strut about in my over-confidence
Bolstered by previous wins.

Forgive me, Lord, when I am like Goliath.

I am the Israelites when I am:
Afraid of an enemy who wants to crush my spirit
Afraid of losing my life and loved ones
Afraid of losing my property and possessions
Bullied by a person with a greater physical presence, a sharper tongue, and a biting wit
Dared to “give up or else”
Not confident in my own abilities
Losing my sense of security
At the mercy of evil forces and overwhelming odds against me
Placing my hope for victory in the One, True, Living God
Letting my Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fight my battles.

Save me, Lord, when I am like the Israelites.

David is Jesus when he:
Trusts the One and Only Living God for victory
Calls upon the strength of Almighty God
Knows his protection comes from God’s heavenly armies
Marches into battle on my behalf
Uses divinely designed weapons
Accepts that the seemingly impossible is possible
Takes care of his people
Knows the weakness of my enemy
Has no fear in attacking an enemy of any size and strength
Knows that the victory is his!

My faith is in the Lord God Almighty!

I am a follower of Jesus Christ when I pray:
Lord, keep my perspective clear when approaching enemy territory. Arm me appropriately with your victorious weapons. Speak your words through my mouth to neutralize any contentious situation. Strengthen me with the assurance of your mighty power and presence. Stop me from acting like the Philistines and Goliath. Train me to humble myself like the Israelites and to turn to you in all circumstances. Thank you that my enemies are your enemies. Thank you that you fight my battles. Thank you that fear of defeat is banished when I stand in your fortress. Thank you for the victory over death and evil forces. You are my Jehovah-Nissi; I battle under your banner! Amen.