Psalm 91 describes the security of the one who trusts in the Lord and not only was prayed by David the psalmist, but by countless men and women throughout history.
For example, during World War I, the 91st Brigade of the Army prayed through Psalm 91 together every day. Although they were engaged in three of the bloodiest battles in the war, these soldiers had no combat-related casualties, not because the passage was a good luck charm or mantra, but because God's Word has power and when we pray His Word, we are paving the way for His grace, power and protection to come in our lives and the lives of those we intercede for.
As Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is living and powerful"—powerful because all the power of God's inherent nature stands behind His Word.
Our men and women in uniform are in harm's way constantly from combat, car bombings, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar attacks. They are laying their lives down and sacrificing time with spouses, children and family.
Please join me and other military families today and every day in praying Psalm 91 for your loved ones and those you know serving in the war and for all our military troops. Please pray for the families of the soldiers who miss them so much at the holidays.
Consider gathering a group at your church or home to pray for them. A church in Washington state has a prayer time every month for military families to pray for their husbands, sons and daughters who are deployed, and 60-80 people show up monthly, deeply grateful that somebody cares enough to pray and help them carry the burden they feel for their loved one.
Here's how I am praying the living and powerful promises of Psalm 91 today:
Lord, your Word says that whoever goes to you for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty can say to you, "You are my defender and protector, you are my God; in you I trust." May my loved one, ________, friends in the military, and all our troops turn to you and find rest in the shadow of your wings.Let's Do Our Part
As they do, please keep them safe from all hidden dangers and all deadly diseases. Shield and shelter them with your wings, and let your faithful promises be their armor and protection.
May they not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day or the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at their side, though ten thousand are dying around them, may our soldiers not be harmed.
As they make you, the Lord, their refuge and shelter, let no evil conquer them, no plague come near their tent or dwelling. Order your angels to protect them wherever they go.
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name." May this be true of every man and woman in uniform! When they call on you, Father, answer them, be with them in trouble, rescue them and honor them. Satisfy them with a long life and give them your salvation.
In Christ's name, Amen.
Psalm 91 is what God has put on my heart to pray for the troops. But He may lead you to pray something entirely different. The soldiers are doing their part to serve as medics, in the infantry, engineering, communications, etc.
Each of us needs to do our part, and a good place to start is faithfully lifting them up in prayer. Ask God what He wants you to do or pray.
Thousands of servicemen and women who are daughters and sons, sisters, brothers, moms and dads are ALL greatly in need of encouragement, support and intercession.
Another wonderful way to pray for a soldier is "five blessings": Think of the word BLESS, and it will help you cover his or her life with prayer.
Body
Labor
Emotional
Social
Spiritual
- Bless
For example, you might pray for physical protection, safety and health. - Labor
Pray for them to do their job well, with skill and wisdom. - Emotional
Pray for their emotional health. - Social
Pray for their marriage, the parent-child relationship (deployments are hard on marriages and with parents away for months, the children can feel distant or abandoned and have trouble understanding why dad or mom isn't there.) - Spiritual
Pray for them to know God, put their trust in God, and experience His unfailing love for them even in the great difficulties they face in a war zone, for spiritual renewal for our troops, for peace in the areas they are deployed—and for all of the soldiers to come home safely to their families.
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Known for her warmth, authenticity, and love for people, Cheri Fuller is a gifted, inspiring communicator who speaks nationally and internationally. From the east coast to the west coast and as far away as South Africa, Brazil, Switzerland, and Singapore, Cheri presents encouraging programs that impact people. Through her engaging storytelling style and practical wisdom, audiences leave inspired and challenged to face life's struggles with hope and purpose. She keynotes at women's retreats and conferences, writers' conferences, Christmas events, and national parenting seminars.
