There are two kinds of violence. The violence of the wicked which is increasing and the “violence” which is the strength of the Church.
As violence continues to erupt against those who stand for truth, rather than step back in fear, we need to remember we have already been given the armor of God. We are to keep it on, well-oiled and be always ready for battle.
In the classic book, “The Art of War,” master war strategist Sun Tsu explains that wars are never won from defense but from offense. Yet we have been on defense for years. The armor of God is not just for defense. It is our protection as we move forward with His plans and purposes for the Kingdom of God.
In the days of Nehemiah, even as they worked to rebuild the wall, they had a sword in one hand as they worked, because the Enemy was constantly looking how to take them out. The Enemy will always rise up against those accomplishing a mighty work. It paints a target on us—but we also have God’s favor and protection.
What about you? Have the battles increased? Have they become unrelenting one after another so you can’t catch your breath? Don’t let go of the wheel. Don’t give up. Don’t grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you don’t faint.
The only way Satan can gain the victory is when we give up. As the violence of the wicked increases remember the scripture, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize]” (Matt 11:12 AMP).
The word “violent” men means those who are energetic and a forcer. We are continuing to force through in prayer the plans and purposes of God. You may not feel energetic right now. You may not feel like you can force or enforce anything, but as we pray together, remember we can move mountains!
Therefore our prayer this week is over ourselves and our family. But then also as a decree over our city, state and nation. Also, decree it over those who have already grown weary and are ready to quit. Over those who are unaware of the desperate state of our battle.
Father we thank you that you hear us when we pray. You are the Almighty and we reverence Your Holy name! Today, we bring Your Word back to Your remembrance. I decree over my family, over (city and state) and America, I say, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of Your might. We put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Wake up and be alert for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Take up the full armor of God, so that we will be able to resist in the evil day! Having done everything, to stand firm—STAND FIRM! Get back up. Don’t give up!
Gird your loins (represents procreative power) with truth, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. We put the gospel of peace on our feet and take peace into every situation wherever we go.
I say, take up the shield of faith with which we are able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Father, as we declare Your Word, thank You that You watch over it to perform it. It will not return void, but accomplish that which You please and prosper in the thing it was sent forth to do!
With all prayer and petition, I declare we will pray at all times in the Spirit. For those who are not filled with the Spirit, I say “Be filled!” We will be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints for many are weary Lord and we pray that You will restore them and that they will persevere. Lord open our mouths, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which we are ambassadors that we will proclaim it boldly! Increase our courage!
How long, O Lord, will we call for help, and You will not hear? We cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You have not saved us. Everywhere around us sin and wickedness are boldly flaunted. Destruction and violence are before us along with strife and contention which are increasing.
The law is ignored and justice is never upheld. The wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted. But woe to those who scheme iniquity, who work out evil on their beds! They covet our food and fields and then scheme to seize them, along with our houses to take them away. They work to rob us of our homes, jobs and inheritance. Lord we cry out to You. How long Lord will You allow their wicked schemes to continue?
Forgive us. Forgive America for abandoning our founding father’s covenant with You. We repent on behalf of our nation. We pray, deliver us from evil and this wicked regime that have aligned themselves with darkness and unrighteousness for there is yet a Remnant who stands for You.
You said you would assemble the lame and gather the outcasts—even those whom You have afflicted—and make the lame a remnant. That would be us Lord. You said You will rescue us and You will redeem us from the hand of our enemies. Although many nations plot together and assemble against us determined to see our downfall, yet we declare we are filled with power. With the Spirit of the Lord and with justice and courage.
When the violent increase, we Your people, will stand up in the power of Your Word and take Your Kingdom by force by Your Word. We decree. We set it into motion that You will prevail.
Matt 11:12, Gal 6:9, Eph 6:10-20, Jer 1:12, Is 55:11, Hab 1:2-5, Micah 2:1-2, Micah 4:6 & 10 & 12, Micah 3:8