Jerralea

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

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.
©1992 J M McIntosh

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

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!
Jerralea Winn Miller