Two weeks ago we promised to discuss the importance of prayer in terms of it bringing us peace and protection of God.  When we are at what we think is our wit’s end, the bible tells us to turn all our anxieties over to God and He will give us peace of mind. In Philippians 4:6-7 the bible says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

     Prayer also protects us because we have the Almighty God on our side. The bible tells us that we need God on our side because “. . . the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (See 2 Corinthians 4:10).  It also tells us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:36).

     Let’s look at some of Jesus’ prayers of protection for his disciples and how He taught them to pray for protection.  Jesus prayed to His Father for the disciples saying “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” (John 17:15). Jesus taught His disciples to pray “. . . lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. . .”  (Matthew 6:13).

     There are many other types of prayer but we should pray according to God’s will knowing that He is the Supreme and Almighty God and He knows what is best for us. We should develop a habit to live in a constant attitude of prayer and live each our daily life experiences with a constant, close connection to the Lord; where we are drawn into His presence through everything we do and think about. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).