When you’ve had a rough day, we usually complain about it or try to make some since of what is happening, and then eventually fall asleep, hoping for a chance to see a change in the morning. UNLESS, you are living in union with Christ and are walking in holiness, in which case, the bad day you just had may have been orchestrated by the Enemy. Then, complaining won’t help. But aaahh! Prayer will.
Today was just such a day. Communication has been sorely lacking about sensitive matters at work, and I felt like I’ve been marginalized. I planned on having a productive conversation to resolve my concerns. But all day, things seem to be back-firing, and then there is the computer lock-up, and the new assignment, and oh, did I mention, I’m leaving on travel for a week and needed every spare moment to clear items off my desk. Then there was the home stuff. Tyler drew all over himself and wiped the marker in the carpet. Ryan had an accident on the floor. There was too much hitting, and over-tiredness, and just plain screaming. WOW. Welcome to life.
Is it just me, or was the perfect storm hitting. The rest of the evening consisted of getting home late, after feeling upset and unproductive all day, knowing that I have to get up early to get a whole laundry list of things done before my flight, and cursing for not being able to at least exercise! Then, while talking with my wife, I realize that it would be so good to really connect before I leave for a bit. Suddenly, there is all this pressure to accomplish a “task”, and none of the heart-felt desire. Ok. The perfect storm had arrived. There was no coincidence. This kind of widespread havoc Always accompanies my pre-flight day. And so, I will pray the Bedtime prayer, just so I can center my heart with God, gain some clarity on what is really going. After all in Daniel 10, the angel was 21 days late in answering Daniel’s prayer. There was the Prince of Persia who blocked the way, until Michael came to assist the messenger.
If we just had clarity? If we could see with the eyes of our heart, then we could reach the “alert & oriented times 4″ wherein all our senses are operational? Yet, if we are unwilling to see the spiritual world and willing to understand that Satan is after us and has all the necessary resources to make our lives miserable, then we might as well simply accept that days will be bad and that we have no say or understanding of WHY. That is a terrible place to be in and one in which God never designed us to wallow in. We are His Intimate Allies. He is dying to share Himself and His magnificent plan with you. But along the way, in order to really see His Kingdom at work, we must be willing to fight for it. He even tells us to do so, and gives us the necessary Armor of God.
When was the last time you suited up, according to Ephesians 6? If there is 1 person who reads this blog and actually puts on the full armor of God every morning, I would be thrilled. Let me know how that has made a difference.
Then what about asking God to apply the full work of Christ, is life, death, resurrection, and ascension to your heart, mind, will, spirit, soul, and strength? Now we’re talking. Check out the Daily Prayer referenced above!
Then, there is the evening prayer, or bedtime prayer. It seals you in Christ, so you are protected in your sleep. Take a look below. It’s the Bedtime prayer. Sleep well.
Bedtime Prayer from Walking With God by John Eldredge
My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, to be renewed in you, to receive your love and life, to take refuge in you. I honor you as my Sovereign, and I surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to you. I give you my body, soul and spirit; my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood, and I ask your Holy Spirit to restore my union with you, renew me in you, and lead me in this time of prayer. [Sometimes I add “my imagination” or “my sexuality” if I sense consecration is needed there. And because we have children, we consecrate our sons as well.]
I bring the kingdom of God and the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ over my home, my bedroom, my sleeping—all through the hours of this night and the new day. I bring the full work of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home tonight—the atmosphere in every room, over every object and furnishing, all media, throughout the ceilings, walls, and floors and all places in them, from the land beneath to the roof above and to the borders of my domain. And in the authority of Jesus Christ I bring the full work of Jesus between me and all people now—their spirits, souls, and bodies, their sin and warfare. [I name those people now.]
I command the judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ on every foul power and black art. I bring the cross and the blood of Christ, I bring his resurrection and life, his authority and rule and dominion against every hex, vex, and incantation. Against every spell, all rituals, and all ritual devices, all satanic rituals and satanic ritual devices. Against every vow, dedication, and sacrifice. Against every word, every judgment, and every curse. I send it all to the abyss in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name. I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of his work against Satan and his kingdom. I bring the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ against every foul and unclean spirit—every ruler, power, authority, and spiritual force of wickedness [Ephesians 6:12].
I command all foul and unclean spirits bound from my home and from my household [remember, “bind the strong man”], together with all their underlings, backups, and replacements, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name. I announce the kingdom of God over my home and my house this night. I summon the angels of the Lord Jesus Christ and ask them to build a shield of protection around me and my home [Hebrews 1:14]. I ask your Spirit to fill my home with your presence and to go forth and raise up prayer and intercession for me this night. All this I pray in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to his glory. Amen.
