This article is part one in a series of five which focuses on raising a prayer shield in different areas of life, including family, a school, a community, the Church and missionaries. In this article we focus on the family.
Raising a prayer shield is not a new idea or type of prayer. Practically, a prayer shield is simply a spiritual prayer covering of protection, intercession and blessing over individuals, families, etc. It involves consistently praying for divine protection, guidance and intervention against spiritual attacks, negative influences and challenges.
A hedge of protection
The first time I became aware of a ‘hedge of protection’ surrounding a prayerful person was when I read about it in the book of Job.
He was a prayerful person: Job 1:5 – So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus, Job did regularly.
He was surrounded by a hedge of protection: Job 1:9-10 – So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Why is a prayer shield necessary?
The following benefits of a prayer shield are valid whether we pray for ourselves, a friend, our family, school or nation, etc.
- Spiritual protection – It shields from spiritual warfare, attacks and negative influences (Ephesians 6:12).
- Godly guidance – It invites God’s wisdom and direction into a life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Strength and unity – A prayer shield helps to stay strong in faith and maintain unity (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
- Healing and provision – It opens the door for God’s provision, health and peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Strengthening your faith – It strengthens spiritual growth and trust in God.
Family prayer shield
- Daily prayer and intercession – Pray consistently for your family members by name, covering their (1) physical, (2) emotional and (3) spiritual needs.
- Declare God’s promises – Speak and claim Bible verses over your family (e.g. Psalm 91 for protection, Isaiah 54:17 for victory). Also, did God give you any ‘words’ for your family? If so, regularly pray for their fulfilment.
- Anoint your home – Anoint doorposts and rooms with oil, praying for God’s presence and peace to fill your home. Remember, there is no power in any ‘physical oil’. The oil is just an outward physical sign/symbol of a faith action in the spiritual realm. You can also just pray throughout your house.
- Pray in unity – If possible, gather your family for prayer together, reinforcing spiritual covering. Where two or more agree in prayer and in the name of Jesus, there He is in their midst (Matthew 20:18). When He is present in your home because you are in unity, you are safe.
- Fasting and deeper intercession – Set aside specific times to fast and pray for breakthrough and divine intervention. Sometimes a family member goes through a difficult time: sickness, rebellion, deception, struggles. As a family you can then rally around them in prayer for a breakthrough.
- Guard your home spiritually – Be mindful of what enters your home (e.g. media, influences) and continually create an atmosphere of worship. Also, if there is anything in your home that has come from another country, or represents any belief system other than honouring God, rather just remove it. You do not want anything in your home that invites any other spirit but the Holy Spirit.
- Invite others to pray with you – Ask trusted believers to stand in agreement with you in prayer. Sometimes invite a friend or more, or your home group to pray with you through certain things. This is valuable when you buy or move into a new home, start or move into a new building with your business, etc.
This series continues in part 2, with a focus on Raising a prayer shield over a School.
