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Prayers to Win Battles

Jehoshaphat of Judah was a good king, devoted to the Lord. But Jehoshaphat had a fatal flaw. He didn’t always consult God in his decisions. Once Jehoshaphat decided to try to bring peace to the divided kingdom of Israel by marrying his son to the daughter of the evil King Ahab and his wicked queen, Jezebel. He even allowed King Ahab to talk him into battle against Syria, even though the prophet of the Lord warned of grave disaster.

In the ensuing battle, Ahab was killed, and Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life. But worst of all, God was angry at Jehoshaphat for disobeying and not seeking Him first. When Jehoshaphat returned to Judah, he knew he was not in good standing with God.

Then the day came when Jehoshaphat learned that a mighty assembly of armies was marching to attack the kingdom of Judah. This time Jehoshaphat did something remarkable. He did not rush to ready his army for battle. His new battle strategy was to call his people together to seek God. As they interceded for deliverance, God answered their prayers. God told the people through young Jahaziel that He would deliver them without a fight. This word from God so encouraged Jehoshaphat that he assembled a choir to go ahead of the army, singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.” As the singing army marched to meet the enemy still miles away, the enemy armies began to fight one another. Jehoshaphat and his army arrived on the scene only to find a sea of dead bodies. God had already won the battle without their help.

Jehoshaphat may have been on the outs with God, but he still had faith. We know this because when his enemy marched against him, he believed in God’s power to save him over his own power to save himself. We as prayer intercessors should also put God first by focusing on God through praise, then consulting God in prayer—inviting Him into our problems and concerns—and following His guidance. When the battle belongs to the Lord, He will win it. 

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, I put you first as I praise your holy name! Show me what to pray for regarding __________. Guide me and come into this concern. This battle belongs to You, and I know You will win it! In Jesus’s name, amen.