This article is part four 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 Church.
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.
Church prayer shield
As spiritual battles rage behind the scenes in the world today, the Church and those who lead or serve it, face relentless challenges. From attacks on families to opposition against missionaries abroad, the need for intentional, targeted prayer has never been greater.
I once heard a story that deeply unsettled me. A believer sat next to a well-dressed, quiet man who appeared to be deep in thought. When asked what he was doing, the man calmly replied that he was busy praying – but not just any kind of prayers! He was actively cursing specific Christian marriages to destroy it at that very moment. That story opened my eyes to the intensity of the spiritual warfare against Christians and that most of us are completely unaware of anything like this happening!
It’s easy to remain unaware. But God calls us to stand in the gap. A ‘prayer shield’ – a consistent, Spirit-led covering of intercession – can protect, empower and release God’s purposes over congregations and missionaries alike.
Whether you are part of an intercessory team or simply someone stirred to pray, these seven-day prayer plans will help you cover your church and its global outreach with focused prayer.
7-DAY PRAYER SHIELD FOR THE CHURCH
Monday: Spiritual protection and God’s presence
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. – 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
- Pray for divine protection over the Church from every form of spiritual attack, including division and deception.
- Ask for the Lord’s manifest presence in every service, ministry and meeting.
- Intercede for peace, unity and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday: Pastors and Church leaders
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. – Hebrews 13:17.
- Lift up in prayer your pastors, elders and ministry leaders by name.
- Pray for godly wisdom, renewed strength and clarity in every decision they make.
- Ask God to protect their marriages and families, and to keep their hearts tender before Him.
Wednesday: Worship teams and ministry volunteers
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. – Psalm 96:1.
- Pray for worship leaders and ministry teams to lead from a place of deep intimacy with the Lord.
- Many face their battles quietly. Ask for their spiritual protection, unity and a fresh anointing.
- Pray that their times of preparation will also be moments of personal encounter with God.
Thursday: Spiritual growth of the congregation
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18.
- Ask the Lord to deepen the spiritual maturity of each church member.
- Pray for a hunger for His Word, a desire for holiness and a commitment to discipleship.
- Specifically pray for the protection and healing of marriages and families, and for reconciliation and the resolving of old disagreements.
Friday: Outreach and community impact
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19.
- Intercede for effective evangelism, both locally and globally.
- Ask God to open doors for the church to reach the lost and hurting in the community.
- Pray for creative strategies to share the Gospel and meet tangible needs.
Saturday: Unity and love within the Church
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3.
- Ask God to remove any root of division, bitterness, or offense.
- Pray for humility, forgiveness and a culture of grace.
- True unity enables the Church to reflect Christ and fulfil its mission with power.
Sunday: Revival and the glory of God
Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? – Psalm 85:6.
- Cry out for a move of God that transforms hearts and communities.
- Pray for repentance, restoration and revival fire to sweep through the Church.
- Ask that God’s glory would rest on His people in a way that draws others to Him.
The Church is God’s chosen vessel to bring light into a dark world, but it does not move forward without resistance. Through faithful, Spirit-led intercession we build a protective covering around pastors, worship teams, families and every ministry. Your prayers matter. As we raise this prayer shield together, we strengthen the Church to stand firm, reach farther and glorify God in every generation.
This series will continue in part 5, the final article, with a focus on Raising a prayer shield over Missionaries.
