“Strategy is when we’re praying tactically. We’re moving ahead, we’re looking up ahead.”

Would you consider yourself a tactical in your prayer? Do you come to God with general requests or are there specific things you’re hoping He will change in your heart?

Dr. David Ireland calls us to consider two points of prayer in his book, The Weapon of Prayer.

First, prayer is meant to be used offensively.

For example, if your son or daughter is going down a destructive path, you can use active prayer to bring spiritual movement to their situation. David offers an example.

“God, I ask that You take the appetite out of their hearts for them to try to stick with the ‘cool kids.’ May they be at peace with who they are. May they be satisfied with their personality; may they come into alignment with their own spiritual tribe and friends that will pull the best out of them.”

When we pray with power, we are standing in the power and authority of God. And we are not alone.

“We must understand we have a rank in the Army of God. Our rank is going to be indicative of how many battles we have won through prayer on our knees.”

As we pray and win more battles, our rank rises. But our authority also increases when we pass on to others what we’ve learned.

This is David’s second point – prayer is meant to be passed on.

Several years ago David was at a bookstore doing promotion for one of his other books, . A woman approached the table, saw the title of the book, and seemed to lose interest. David inquired and she responded,

“I’m good. I pray a lot. I’m good in that area.”

David asked a question that stopped her.

“How many intercessors have you trained and raised up and developed?”

She responded that she hadn’t trained anyone in prayer. David shares what he told her, which is also a lesson for us.

“If your life is as strong as it should be, then you will be raising up others. You’ll be replicating and duplicating yourself in others. That’s the proof of strength; the proof of strength is not that you’re walking around strong. The proof of strength is that you’re helping others become strong.”

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 1:17; Luke 22:31-32; Colossians 4:2

Featured Songs: Shake Yourself Loose by Vicki Winans; Press On by Mandisa; Everything is Mine in You by Christy Nockels

Highlight : Mentorship through prayer

The weapon of prayer