“Three teams of terrorists staged coordinated attacks at six locations throughout Paris late Friday (11/13/15), including a concert hall, the Stade de France and at least two restaurants, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said Saturday.
— Molins said that at least 129 people were killed and 352 wounded in the attacks. Ninety-nine of the wounded are reported to be in a very serious condition, he said,” according to CNN online. *This Post Contains Affililiate Links
How do we pray against such evil?
Or should we???
Stay with me.
First off, I cannot think about France without thinking of one of my most favorite historical figures in the world – Joan of Arc. She loved God and was called to “save” France in wartime with England. She had exceptional success and the details surrounding her calling and victories are miraculous! Undoubtedly, God loves France.
I am not looking for a hero maiden to rise up to defend France, but for prayer intercessors to lift up France in her time of need.
I will not be rebuking her enemies, but praying for them, as God instructed His people in Matthew 5:44.
France, like America, like Israel, like every country has only one enemy. He’s the same enemy that is constantly trying to destroy each of us – the devil. Still, I will not be wasting time rebuking him.
There are some Christians who believe they not only have the authority to rebuke the devil, but also they must be about the business of rebuking him continually. There is no biblical basis for such a belief….It is not necessary for a Christian to rebuke Satan because God has given us His full armor to stand against evil (see Ephesians 6:10-18). The most effective weapons we have against the devil are our faith, wisdom, and knowledge about God and His Word. Christ, when tempted by Satan, answered him with Scripture (see Matthew 4:1-11). To gain victory in spiritual matters, we must maintain a clear conscience and have control over our thoughts. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). ~GotQuestions.org
Let’s remember that Satan has been rebuked, judged, sentenced and destroyed by the work on the cross, thanks be to Jesus Christ. He did all the rebuking that needs to be done.
So let’s pray for…
France’s people – their healing and comfort.
France’s peace – a sound mind and unwavering trust in God.
France’s leaders – wisdom and dependence upon the true Source of all wisdom.
France’s victims – recovery, restitution, restoration.
France’s effected families – comfort.
France’s protection – favor and wisdom.
And France’s enemies – their salvation.
I’ve taken a departure this week from decorating my structured prayer journal in holiday festive decor, to focus my time in prayer on Paris, and our world at large.
Gina Duke is the award-winning author of Organizing Your Prayer Closet: A New and Life-Changing Way to Pray (Abingdon Press), that introduces the gift of structured prayer journaling. You can enjoy her weekly #ShePrayerJournals weekend workshops on YouTube, and follower her on Twitter and Instagram at @TheGinaDuke.
Retha Cooper says
March 9, 2019 at 9:11 amI have been so Blessed to find you in the internet and order your book, Organizing Your Prayer Closet. I was asked to pray about doing the Women Ministry at our church and I accepted after prayer and fasting. I’m excited to say that we are studying Organizing your Prayer Closet. You have already inspired me in many ways and I am just beginning. I am fixing to watch tutorials on journaling so that I can help my ladies to achieve this goal. I pray to see you one day in person. God Bless you and your ministry!!