Prayer and Fasting for the Rosebud - Day 6

Friday is a traditional day for fasting. Information and supporting prayers for a fast are available in this earlier post.

Today's Bible verse for reflection and prayer:
Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

The Roman shield was a large rectangle. The shield provided formidable protection, especially by soldiers in tight formation presenting a wall of shields.

Are you praying with other Christians? Do you have others praying for you? This will increase your protection against the constant pelting of temptations that the devil will fire at you.

I was an artilleryman in my Army days. Along with damage and destruction, artillery barrages inflict disorder and confusion on the forces they strike. The devil's endless rain of fiery arrows is meant to scatter us into confused, ineffectual little groups or even leave us as lost, vulnerable individuals. Stay in prayer with others. Reach across denominational lines - the shields are made of inner faith in Christ, not outward habits of religion.

Faith is not passive - it must be "held up" as we push forward against the enemy. Be assertive of Jesus Christ, who is your life. Your faith in him is your shield - lift it against the devil and do so with other Christian warriors.

A word of encouragement from Bishop David Bena (Convocation of Anglicans in North America):
Please know that we are all praying for you. Spiritual warfare is going on all around us. We have stirred up a hornet's next by taking a strong stand for Jesus and His Gospel values... Hold Jesus high.

Prayer:
Lord, we believe - help our unbelief! Strengthen our faith and let it abide in us with hope and love, these three virtues guiding us as we close with the enemy. Let us lift the shield of faith in a strong battle formation. Let faith extinguish the fire of the devil's artillery. Let faith punch through the oppressive power of suicide on the Rosebud Reservation and set the people free. We pray in your Name, Lord Jesus. Amen.