Gò0dNews for Everyone
Praying Offensively
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by Jade Morgan
o you ever watch a movie or TV show with
of Esther in such a way God’s power and deity cannot be
someone and they start predicting what will
denied. When it seems we do not see, hear, or feel God, He
happen? It can be so annoying when this happens,
is there, and His promises and Word are being fulfilled.
especially when what they are predicting turns out to
With anxiety and depression more commonly spoken
actually happen. Unfortunately, I am totally this person. My
about than ever before, it seems it is easier for our minds
close friends have learned this about me, and at first, they
to be bent more towards the negative. No wonder it has
were impressed. Now, I am not so sure!
become accepted and commonplace to assume the enemy
Just last week, I was watching a movie with a group of friends, and the uncontrollable urge to audibly say what I
is lurking, or thwarting plans, before we choose to see what God is doing in our midst.
could see coming overtook me. I gave in and verbalized my prediction. My close friend said, “She always does that.” My response was, “They give you every clue about what is going to happen!” A few days later, I was watching a suspenseful TV show and I felt that feeling creep in again. I knew what was about to happen. It was so clear to me. Then, about five minutes later, it did indeed occur. In that moment, I began to realize how this concept parallels our spiritual lives. At first, my thought was that, more often than not, there seem to be clues indicating forthcoming danger or sorrow. I can look back and see this clearly in my own life. Indicators and signs that seemed so hidden at the time but now seem abundantly clear. I had
My pastor said something to me last year that I did
an adversary clearly fighting against me. Having been
not understand at the time, but that has become more
born and bred in the south, I have often been the recipient
and more clear the last several months. He said, “Pray
of the phrases, “The enemy is lurking about,” and “God
offensive prayers, not defensive ones.” I see now how
must be up to something for the enemy to be fighting you
vital it is to not wait until we are in conflict, or tension, or
so hard.” These expressions are said in abundance, and
something stressful happens to pray—this would be praying
often without thought of the power we are giving the
defensively. Creating the habit of praying offensively,
enemy when we say these words and just believe them as
praying to be “Alert and sober minded,” as 1 Peter 5:8 says,
truth. There are often clues about what the enemy is up
and putting on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6 shifts
to, sure. Yet, there are always indications of what God is
our brains and spiritual lives to be on the offense before the
doing and how He is working.
trials even come. Intentional practice will not make perfect,
The story of Esther is so intriguing to me because of
but it will make purpose.
no direct mention of Jesus, nor any of the names people call God. However, it is evident He was there working the entire time. The gospel story is woven throughout the entirely
52 // June 2022
About The Author
how it lacks the mention of the Lord in any way. There is Jade Morgan taught special education for thirteen years before God called her to ministry. She is currently the Connect & Serve Director at Public Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she also leads a ladies Community Group.
