Doing Battle With The Prince Of Persia

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. ..... Then he (Gabriel) said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia." - Daniel 10:2-3, 12-13

We were studying the Book of Daniel chapter 10.  Daniel prayed for 3 weeks and Gabriel contended with the Prince of Persia (satanic forces) during that time.  I was reminded that very often I treat prayer like I was at a drive-thru making a order. "Double cheeseburger, fries, and a diet-coke - oh, and supersize it!"  The diet coke because I am concerned about calories. As Christians the reality is that when we pray we are entering into spiritual warfare - something that we cannot see but is all around us. Unfortunately very often our thinking and understanding is limited to prayers about our personal welfare and not spiritual warfare.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 6:10-12

Why were the angels engaged in the struggle? Because of the prayers of Daniel. Is it possible that my prayers, your prayers, can be a catalyst for heavenly activity? I believe they can, but there is a catch. On a number of occasions, Daniel was referred to by the angel as "O Daniel, man greatly beloved" or "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” A couple of verses that come to mind.

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man are powerful and effective." - James 5:16

People just like Daniel. That catch is that like Daniel, we must be standing before God with a clean heart and clean hands. Eyes focused on God and not ourselves.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

Just like Gabriel with Daniel, Paul with the Philippians we are not to fear and God will grant peace through the assurance of the Spirit and our faith. 

I want to encourage you to think about prayer differently and enter into it with a different attitude. Remember that you are a child of God - and so you have a spiritual nature. Put on the full - spiritual - armor of God and join the battle that rages all around you - just like Daniel.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:13-18

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone