The Prayer of Protection

1. Dwell in God's Secret Place for Divine Protection

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Intimate relationship with God. The key to experiencing divine protection is developing a close, personal relationship with God. This "secret place" isn't a physical location, but a spiritual state of intimacy with the Creator. By prioritizing time with God through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word, believers position themselves under His protective covering.

God's names reveal His character. The psalm introduces four names of God in the first two verses:

• El Elyon (Most High): Sovereign over all creation
• El Shaddai (Almighty): All-sufficient and all-powerful
• Yahweh: Covenant-keeping God
• Elohim: Creator of the universe

Understanding these aspects of God's nature builds faith and confidence in His ability and willingness to protect His children.

2. Speak God's Word to Activate Spiritual Defense

"It is written—'A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.'"

Power of declaration. Speaking God's Word aloud is a powerful spiritual weapon. When faced with fear, anxiety, or threats, believers are encouraged to verbally declare relevant Scripture. This act of faith activates God's promises and builds a shield of protection around the believer.

Practical application:

• Memorize key protective verses (e.g., Psalm 91:7)
• Speak them out loud when facing challenges
• Use "It is written" as a preface, following Jesus' example
• Make declaration a daily habit, not just in times of crisis

3. Embrace God's Peace to Overcome Fear

"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday."

God's peace surpasses circumstances. Fear is a natural response to danger, but God offers supernatural peace that transcends understanding. By focusing on God's promises and character, believers can maintain calm and confidence even in the midst of chaos.

Practical steps to cultivate peace:

• Meditate on God's love and faithfulness
• Surrender worries and anxieties to God in prayer
• Limit exposure to fear-inducing media
• Surround yourself with faith-filled believers
• Practice gratitude for God's protection

4. Trust in God's Angelic Protection

"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."

Invisible spiritual allies. God commands His angels to protect and guard believers. While often unseen, these powerful spiritual beings work on behalf of God's children to provide guidance, protection, and assistance in times of need.

Activating angelic protection:

• Worship and praise God regularly
• Speak God's Word aloud
• Maintain an attitude of humility and dependence on God
• Be aware of divine promptings and "coincidences"
• Thank God for His angelic protection, even when unseen

5. Exercise Your Authority in Christ

"You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot."

Victorious position in Christ. Believers are not helpless victims but are seated with Christ in heavenly places. This spiritual position grants authority over the enemy's attacks and schemes. By understanding and exercising this God-given authority, Christians can actively resist and overcome spiritual opposition.

Practical ways to exercise authority:

• Reject lies and negative thoughts in Jesus' name
• Command sickness or pain to leave your body
• Declare God's promises over challenging situations
• Resist temptation by speaking Scripture
• Pray for others, using your authority to intercede

6. Call Upon God in Times of Trouble

"He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him."

God's immediate response. When believers cry out to God in times of distress, He promises to answer and deliver. This assurance is based on the finished work of Christ, who was forsaken on the cross so that believers would never be abandoned by God.

Cultivating a lifestyle of calling on God:

• Develop a habit of quick prayer in all situations
• Trust God's timing and methods of deliverance
• Express gratitude for God's faithfulness in past deliverances
• Share testimonies of God's intervention to encourage others
• Maintain an attitude of dependence on God, even in good times

7. Seek God's Wisdom for Safety and Protection

"Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling."

Divine guidance for safety. While God promises supernatural protection, He also expects believers to exercise wisdom and discernment. By seeking God's guidance in decision-making and daily life, many potential dangers can be avoided altogether.

Practical ways to seek God's wisdom:

• Pray for discernment before making important decisions
• Consult trusted, godly advisors
• Pay attention to the peace (or lack thereof) in your spirit
• Study Scripture for principles of godly living
• Be willing to adjust plans based on divine guidance

8. Live Long and Strong in God's Promises

"With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

God's desire for abundant life. The psalm concludes with a promise of long, satisfying life. This encompasses not just quantity of years but quality of life, including health, strength, and purpose. God's ultimate "salvation" (Yeshua in Hebrew) is found in Jesus Christ, who provides eternal life and abundant living in the present.

Keys to experiencing God's promise of long life:

• Trust in God's goodness and desire to bless you
• Declare and believe God's promises for health and longevity
• Live with purpose, continually serving God and others
• Maintain a positive, faith-filled outlook on life
• Practice good stewardship of your physical body

Last updated: August 10, 2024