Praying Offensively

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Praying Offensively

by Jade Morgan

Do you ever watch a movie or TV show with someone and they start predicting what will happen? It can be so annoying when this happens, especially when what they are predicting turns out to actually happen. Unfortunately, I am totally this person. My close friends have learned this about me, and at first, they were impressed. Now, I am not so sure!

Just last week, I was watching a movie with a group of friends, and the uncontrollable urge to audibly say what I 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 an adversary clearly fighting against me. Having been born and bred in the south, I have often been the recipient of the phrases, “The enemy is lurking about,” and “God must be up to something for the enemy to be fighting you so hard.” These expressions are said in abundance, and often without thought of the power we are giving the enemy when we say these words and just believe them as truth. There are often clues about what the enemy is up to, sure. Yet, there are always indications of what God is doing and how He is working.

The story of Esther is so intriguing to me because of how it lacks the mention of the Lord in any way. There is 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 of Esther in such a way God’s power and deity cannot be denied. When it seems we do not see, hear, or feel God, He is there, and His promises and Word are being fulfilled.

With anxiety and depression more commonly spoken about than ever before, it seems it is easier for our minds to be bent more towards the negative. No wonder it has become accepted and commonplace to assume the enemy is lurking, or thwarting plans, before we choose to see what God is doing in our midst.

My pastor said something to me last year that I did not understand at the time, but that has become more and more clear the last several months. He said, “Pray offensive prayers, not defensive ones.” I see now how vital it is to not wait until we are in conflict, or tension, or something stressful happens to pray—this would be praying defensively. Creating the habit of praying offensively, praying to be “Alert and sober minded,” as 1 Peter 5:8 says, and putting on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6 shifts our brains and spiritual lives to be on the offense before the trials even come. Intentional practice will not make perfect, but it will make purpose.

About The Author 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.