Praying with Paul: 'Spiritual Warfare'

Dear Father, teacher of spiritual soldiers,

Thank you for the example of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. If I must show boldness or be abrasive in any way, let it be for the good of others. Keep me from having the manners of the world or living at all in a worldly fashion. For though I live in the world, I am not carrying on a worldly war. The weapons of my warfare are not worldly but have divine power from you for destroying strongholds and obstacles of every kind, for destroying arguments and rationalizations and hypocrisy. They have the power to take every thought captive for Christ, when men have the courage to face up to their condition before you. Let me bear witness for you and warn people of their peril. The very weapons of our warfare will be the weapons to bring punishment to the disobedient, for then they cannot say they have not heard.

But you, Lord, are patient. You give men and women time to come to obedience. You are so merciful and long-suffering. Thank you, God.

In the name of Jesus, the Lord of mercy and compassion, I ask. Amen.