Praying for Covering and Protection

If you’ve ever seen a western, a war movie, or an action film you’ve probably seen a scene or two where one of the characters, usually in the midst of a hail of gunfire, says to someone near, “Cover me!” The whole idea of course is that the person giving the order is seeking the protection of their comrades’ cover fire in order to advance to a more strategic or secure position. The steady barrage of fire is intended to provide an offensive cover for others to advance while being protected.

In a similar sort of way we can provide this kind of protection for those we love and care about by praying for their covering and protection. This concept of covering was not something I was aware of or familiar with until I was well into my adult years. Now it’s something I practice regularly (daily) for my children, wife, staff, and others. It’s not something motivated by fear or worry but rather an act of surrender and faith as I entrust them to God’s care, protection, and provision. I do so in the realization that I have no real control over what happens to them and cannot, in or of myself, ensure their well being.

Could it be that prayer makes a difference in what can or cannot happen?

Jesus prayed for his disciples’ protection in John 17:14-19. He also prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail when Satan came to test (sift) him (Luke 22:31-32). The Apostle Paul regularly asked and relied on believers to pray for him to ensure his ongoing safety and deliverance; and so he could continue to carry out the ministry God called him to (2 Cor. 1:8-11; 2 Thess. 3:1-5). These passages and others suggest that his ongoing safety, deliverance, and victory may in fact be contingent on prayer and the prayers of many. Could it be that prayer makes a difference in what can or cannot happen?

For example, was the disciple James an unfortunate casualty and a wake-up call for the church in regard to the importance of prayer; and was Peter spared in response to the church’s earnest prayers (Acts 12:1-5)? Could it be that corporate and diligent prayer made the difference in the outcome for Peter since Herod had intended to do the same thing to him as he had to James? Paul’s desire and attempt to visit the Thessalonian church was in some way hindered by “Satan”. Was the key to a breakthrough contingent on an ongoing and corporate battle in prayer (1 Thess. 2 –3; cf., 2:18; 3:10; 4:16)? Was there a direct correlation between the positional authority of Moses, Aaron, and Hur interceding in agreement over the armies of Israel and their victory over the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-13)? Do we as believing husbands or wives, fathers and mothers have a similar delegated spiritual authority over our homes and children (1 Corinthians 7:14; 11:2-16) and does our understanding of prayer and use of that authority affect their wellbeing?

My point here is to encourage us to test everything and pray about everything instead of simply accepting everything that comes our way.

If so, what does this mean for securing the physical and spiritual protection of our families, homes, businesses; or ensuring that God’s purpose and will is not hindered in our lives? Do we just assume God is looking out for us, take what comes our way and hope for the best? Does prayer prevent things from happening that are purposed to harm us or hinder the fulfillment of God’s purpose through us?

Let me assure you that I’m not suggesting that we are immune to trouble, difficulty, pain, or death while we live in this world. Jesus told us plainly that we would face trouble, persecution, and even death if we were to follow Him as disciples. Even so, He told us not to lose heart because He has overcome the world.

My point here is to encourage us to test everything and pray about everything instead of simply accepting everything that comes our way. It would be foolish to think that because we are Christians we can kind of live life on autopilot when there are biblical admonitions to the contrary.