Today, I’m concentrating on poetry for my One Word for 2023, Warrior (actually, I’m concentrating on the phrase, “prayer warrior”).
I found this poem about a foe being turned aside because someone prayed.
Somebody Prayed
©1992 J M McIntosh
The battle was raging around him,
The enemy quickly gained ground.
Then a shadow fell over his shoulder,
And a calm was felt all around.
His comrades stood stunned and amazed
As their foe turned quickly away.
He alone understood it —
He knew somebody had prayed.
How many souls have been rescued
From the enemy’s grasp in this way?
Because of a prayer warrior’s vigil —
Because somebody cared and prayed.
Did you know that intercessory prayer is a gift anyone can give? It is so meaningful to know someone is praying about your situation. It can mean the difference between life and death.
I decided to try my hand at writing a poem about prayer warriors as well. I’m elaborating on the idea a prayer warrior can be engaged and praying BEFORE the next skirmish or fight comes our way.
Proactive praying!
WARRIORS FIGHT AND PRAY
Jerralea Winn Miller
Lord, you’ve given us heavenly tools,
Spiritual armor, if you will.
Yet to be armed is just not enough.
There must be “gumption,” a fighting will.
Oh, Great Redeemer, let us not wait
to battle until push comes to shove;
But be proactive, praying ahead
of the fight, using each ounce of love.
When the enemy comes rattling cages
fill us with holy indignation.
Give us gritty boldness while evil rages
until each saint has liberation.
Don’t let us sleep until provoked.
Define us alert, fired up, ready,
armor on, positioned and stoked
with courage, standing firm and steady.
I know deep down in my heart
the most difficult requirement
of a warrior, right from the start,
trading comfort for war engagement
Peace or war, warriors fight and pray!
Previous Post: Realizing Without Him, I’m Powerless
Sharing at One Word 2023 at LisaNotes.com, Inspire Me Monday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Tell His Story, Let’s Have Coffee
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
Intercession on behalf of another is one of the greatest gifts we can impart.
Thank you for sharing the poetry. I’m not very poetic in my writing but I’m trying.
Oops…forgot OneWord #5
I think sometimes it would be easier to throw money at a need than to put in the work day after day of praying the same prayer and waiting for the answer. However, when it comes? There is nothing like it!
Well done, Jerralea! I love poetry. It’s how I first feel in love with writing. I truly believe in the power of prayer. But most importantly, praying for others. Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder.
Thanks, Horace! I’ve written very little poetry yet; but I do feel God helped me with this one.
Thanks for visiting!
What is it about all God’s vivid images of warfare in Scripture that we’re missing—and therefore get confused between real life in Christ and some mystical fairytale where we always get our own way??
Your word is a wake-up call!
We may have heard too much “name and claim it’ in our culture. We believe a Good God would give us everything to make us comfortable; but He is much more concerned with our character. Praying for others helps us reap answers to our prayers – but never if that was our motive!
Amen! You did a great job on the poem Jerralea. Prayer is such an important part of our walk with the Lord & to care for others.
Blessings, Jennifer
I’ve come to realize in recent times that it’s time to step up and prove I love others by praying for them. I’m a newbie in all this but I’m wanting to grow.
Thanks for coming by, Jennifer.
I love that idea that intercession is the greatest gift. I need to give that gift more. Visiting from IMM today
I’ve found it is best to pray for someone else right when it’s been asked for – or right when they come to mind – because I’m so forgetful. But for serious intercession, I’m feeling led to write the request in a prayer journal along with a scripture chosen for the situation.
Thanks for dropping by, Kym!
I remember being in a group of students when one said she’d woken up with an urge to pray for one in the group. She asked if he were there. He spoke up and asked when she’d been prompted to pray. He then told her about the dangerous situation he’d been in at the time. What a gift and privilege intercessory prayer is.
It is a gift, and one we need to give as often as possible! Thanks for sharing that story, Debbie. So encouraging!
Thank you for this post, Jerralea. I love your poem and the idea of interceding ahead in prayer. That will preach.
May our prayers make a difference for our loved ones! Thanks for coming by, Mary.
What a great poem you wrote, Jerralea! I especially am drawn to these lines: “But be proactive, praying ahead
of the fight, using each ounce of love.” So glad you shared this at our One Word linkup!
Thanks, Lisa. It was the idea of praying for my loved ones BEFORE they get into trouble. God has tremendous keeping power!
Jerralea, both poems are beautiful and encouraging. May we never forget the gift of prayer we can give others for prayer truly causes us to stand firm in the battles of life.
Thanks, Joanne! I love the idea than anyone who wants to can be a prayer warrior. No matter our physical limitations, we can still lift up others in prayer.
You created a wonderful poem. I once got called down by an elderly lady for including her as a prayer warrior. But that’s how most people thought she was.
I think it would be an honor to be called a prayer warrior!
Thanks for dropping by, Cecelia.
pro-active praying. yes and amen. and powerful prayer-writing, too, Jerralea. you go, girl!
Thanks, Linda! I’m full of ideas about this subject!
Pro-active praying! I like that! An intercessor is a warrior in the battle – and, as a praying parent, I believe it saves lives! Thank you for this reminder. Beautiful, powerful poem, Jerralea!