A Prayer about God Owning Our Battles

From Heavenward by Scotty Smith:

The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s. 1 Sam. 17:47

This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chron. 20:15

Dear Father, I’m thankful when you’re selfish with things I don’t really want anyway—especially when you claim ownership of my battles. Though following Jesus involves intense warfare and wearing the armor you provide (Eph. 6:10–18), you are the Divine Warrior we must trust. Whether it’s a mere skirmish or an all-out assault, the battle belongs to you, Lord. Fear and discouragement are not the order of the day, faith and hope are.

We’re never more than David standing before Goliath (1Sam. 17); Elijah facing 400 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18); Gideon taking on the Midianite army (Judges 6-8); Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in a fiery furnace; Esther against the Persian government. It’s not our competence but your presence that matters. Not as disengaged pacifists, but as fully engaged worshipers, we will behold the salvation of the Lord.

Father, when it seems like evil and terror will triumph, let us hear the laughter of heaven. Give us eyes to see your already installed King, the Lord Jesus, reigning over all things (Psalm. 2).

When we’re under attack by the seducer, accuser, and condemner of the brethren, once again let us see Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30–31). Our boast is in Jesus, not in anything in us.

Lord, when we have to confront darkness in very broken people and very broken situations, protect us and empower us through the gospel. When we get pulled into petty fights with our brothers and sisters in Christ, humble all of us by your mercy and grace, and bring us back to faith expressing itself in love, quickly.

When my own divided heart wages war inside of me and I’m tempted to look for another savior; when I begin to lose confidence in the sufficiency of your grace, the trustworthiness of your promises and the hope of the gospel, come to me in the storm, Jesus, and make peace in the warzone of my soul. So very Amen I pray, in your loving and triumphant name.