After America was attacked on September 11, 2001, many people were inspired to sign up to serve their country. Nearly 3.2 million people have entered military service since the attack. I don’t think this happened because our country suddenly became more patriotic. But we were suddenly, and violently, made aware of a group of radicals who wanted us dead. 
As Christians, it can be all too easy to go about our daily lives without ever thinking about how we’re at war with dark spiritual forces that we can’t always see. But Paul warns us not to be complacent, saying “keep alert with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18).
How can you play your part and persevere in this spiritual war?
Your secret weapon is prayer. Prayer might not feel particularly aggressive or militant, but it’s by prayer – warfare prayer – alone that you and I are able to engage with and overcome the enemy of our souls.
Think of it this way – warfare prayer is a discipline, an attack aimed at the forces of darkness around us.
To engage in warfare prayer is to ask for God’s help to get on His plan, not to ask Him for help with yours. Warfare prayer is full of gratitude, worshiping God for the love He lavishes on us daily.
Warfare prayer is also hard work. Paul doesn’t give us any leeway for time off. He tells us, once again in Ephesians 6:18, to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
As Christians, we know how prayer changes our lives and attitudes. But if you haven’t yet thought of prayer as a powerful weapon, let me encourage you: our world needs more believers like you dispelling the darkness as you fight these spiritual battles with God’s help on your knees.
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