This article is part three 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 a community.
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.
Community prayer shield
Weekly cover your community in prayer. Following are some areas/spheres of influence you may consider in prayer. If there is a specific important area of influence that is unique to your community/city/town, you can also add it here, e.g. specific religious hotspots, like temples, or specific areas dedicated to witchcraft activities, or areas where an unusual number of accidents or instances of crime take place.
WEEKLY PRAYER PLAN
Monday: Protection and safety for law enforcement
Pray for God’s protection, wisdom and strength for all police officers and security personnel. (Psalm 91:11).
Tuesday: Healthcare workers and hospitals
Lift up doctors, nurses and medical staff, asking for healing hands, endurance and divine guidance. (Jeremiah 30:17).
Wednesday: Local government and municipal leaders
Pray that city leaders will act with integrity, justice and godly wisdom in their decisions. (Proverbs 11:14).
Thursday: Churches and spiritual leaders
Intercede for pastors and church leaders to be rooted in truth, bold in preaching and strong in faith. (Ephesians 6:19–20).
Friday: Businesses and economic prosperity
Ask the Lord to bless local businesses, provide jobs and bring financial stability to families. (Deuteronomy 28:12).
Saturday: The elderly and vulnerable in the community
Pray for protection, comfort and dignity for the elderly, the sick and those in need. (Isaiah 46:4).
Sunday: Unity, peace and revival in the community
Declare God’s desire for unity, healing and spiritual awakening in your neighbourhood and region. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
How to use this plan:
- Dedicate time each day to pray for the assigned focus.
- Speak the key Scriptures over your community.
- Join with others in a community prayer group if possible.
- Consider prayer walking through different areas of the city.
NOTES: Biblical references supporting the importance of ‘prayer walking’
- Joshua 1:3 – “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.”
>> This verse emphasises the spiritual authority given when we walk and pray over a place. - Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
>> Jesus grants believers authority over spiritual opposition, which is powerful when prayer walking to take spiritual ground. - Deuteronomy 11:24 – “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.”
>> Walking in prayer symbolises taking possession of land spiritually, just as God promised Israel their inheritance.
This series will continue in part 4 with a focus on Raising a prayer shield over the Church.
