Warrior’s Prayer

Our Father in Heaven,

Thank you for the example of David, the warrior king who poured out his heart to you from the midst of battle. Whether he was running for his life, fighting for his countrymen, or celebrating a victory, his thoughts often turned to you. Sometimes he wept in fear and frustration. Other times he wrestled with doubt, discouragement, or loneliness. When sin broke his heart (and yours), he talked to you then, too. His example reminds us that we can come to you no matter what we're facing, and you will hear our prayer.

We praise you, Father, as Lord of the universe and the supreme commander in chief. You direct world affairs for your purpose and your glory. Nothing happens apart from your will. We can rest, knowing that everything that comes into our lives has been filtered through your fingers of love. Help us trust you and believe. When our faith wavers, help us in our unbelief.

You tell us in your Word that if we regard sin in our hearts, you will not hear us, so I begin this time of prayer with confession. Forgive us, Lord, for the ways we’ve failed you. For the times when we've sinned against you in word, thought, or deed. Forgive us, too, for the times when we could have done good, but didn’t. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.

Lord, a warrior’s list of needs is long. But you are a Father who loves to give good gifts to your children. You encourage us to come boldly to your throne to find grace and help in time of need. And so we ask…

For Safety: Father, we commit our lives into your hands. Whether on land, sea, or in the air, guard and keep us. Protect us from enemy assault, accidents, and errors in judgment.

For Protection from Enemies: Every day, God, we face enemies from without and enemies from within. You tell us in your Word that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and the forces of wickedness in high places. Bind Satan and his influence in the world. Render powerless those who work for him and with him. Confuse and thwart their plans. Surround us with your angels and let no weapon formed against us prosper. Hide us in the shelter of your wings.

For Endurance: Lord, as the nights turn into days and the days blur into nights, we grow weary. Our work is never finished. Every patrol, watch, or duty we log seems to be just one of an endless cycle. We sometimes wonder if we’re making a difference, or just wasting time, energy, and resources. Remind us that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. We need eagle strength today, Lord. And tomorrow. And until this war is won. Help us run the race with perseverance, knowing there is a reward at the end. More than anything, we want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

For Protection from Loneliness: One of the hardest parts of deployment, whether in the battlefield or behind the computer, is loneliness. Let these empty times prompt us to pray for those we love. Help us remember, too, that we’re never truly alone. You are a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and even if we travel to the ends of the earth or the depths of the sea, you are there. Surround us with your presence and be our faithful companion.

For Freedom from Fear: In the thick of a firestorm, the uncertainty of a mission, or the pause between one assignment and the next, fear often wraps its icy fingers around our hearts. We fear dying, dismemberment, and dishonor. To number our fears would take all day, but you, Lord, know them all, and yet you tell me, “Fear not.” Calm our anxious hearts and fill us with your peace. Grow our faith, and remind us to pray instead of worry.

For Our Families: Help us to not be lazy or apathetic in our interactions with them but motivate us to make every effort to stay engaged and connected. Where relationships have suffered because of time, distance, and circumstances, draw us close again. Give us creative ways to demonstrate how much we care. Bring others into their lives who will stand in the gap for us while we serve. Bless them, Lord, in special ways.

Thank you, Father, for hearing our prayer today. I’m grateful I can come to you, as Daniel prayed, not on the basis of our own righteousness, but because of your great mercy. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.