A Prayer for Times of War

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . A time for war and a time for peace."  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8b

The Holy Bible is full of wartime stories, stories of bad leaders and stories of good leaders, triumphs and tragedies, land grabs and land losses.  And, while we may have enjoyed the past several years in peacetime pursuits, we embark now upon a season of war.

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 tells us that there is a season for everything, a time for every activity given under heaven. There is “a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

War is not something enjoyable, but because of the fall of man and our sinful nature, it is sometimes necessary in bringing about a desired outcome—a change. War is also not something to be entered into lightly. The Holy Bible says we are to prepare and to seek wise counsel before going to war.  Proverbs 24:6 says, “So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.”

There are many instances in the Holy Bible in which God specifically used people who were not well-equipped, strong, or mighty in number, to win a war. This was done to show the mighty power and sovereignty of God. We must always remember that no matter how much we prepare for battle, the victory rests with God alone. He is our strength.

Perhaps you are a soldier at war right now, or you have a loved one at war. Maybe it is a spiritual war you are fighting. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty about the circumstance you are facing this very minute. God can help you.

2 Timothy 2:3 reminds us to, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 

Things will not always be easy; however, we can find comfort knowing that the victory is ALWAYS the Lord’s.

“My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me” (Psalm 62:7).

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Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for giving us victory through Your son, Jesus Christ. We praise You for overcoming the world (John 16:33).

We ask, Father, that You would provide us with wise counsel. Speak to our hearts, lead us, guide us, and direct us in accordance with Your perfect will. You know our fears, Father, and we ask that Your perfect love would cast out all fear (1 John 4:18).

Lord, we ask that this time of war would bring about a change for good that would accomplish Your purposes.

Keep us safe, Father, and keep us always close to You.

Grant us Your strength and endurance for the battle—both physically and spiritually. May we abide in You for the duration of this wartime. Help us to stay the course, for we know that in due season we will reap a reward, if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9).

Forgive us for our many sins, Father, and help us to forgive the sins of others.

We ask all these things in Your precious, holy name.

AMEN.


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