Our military personnel, whether in Kosovo or Quantico, need
our prayers. Here is a list of things you can pray for those who will become a "a good soldier of Jesus Christ".
SALVATION. If the soldier you are praying for has
not made a commitment to Christ, this belongs at the top of your list. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and Romans 12:1-2 are good scriptures
to pray.
RELATIONSHIP WITH AUTHORITY STRUCTURE. Though the
authority structure of the military is difficult to adjust to, obeying orders can mean the difference between life and death.
Pray that soldiers will learn to be "subject to rulers and authorities ... obedient ... ready to do whatever is good"
(Titus 3:1).
ENDURING HARDSHIP. During times of training and war,
a soldier can go without food, sleep, bathing, or word from home for days on end. Paul admonished Timothy, "endure hardship
with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:3). Pray that God will use these times of testing to lead
the soldier to bring Christ into daily challenges (Psalm 18:28-29).
CAMARADERIE. Stu Weber, a decorated Green Beret Vietnam
veteran, says "Every warrior needs a fellow soldier. Every pilot needs a wing man." Jesus demonstrated this principle
by sending the disciples out two by two. Paul had Timothy. Elijah had Elisha. Ask God to send your soldier
a buddy to sharpen and encourage him (Proverbs 27:17).
GOOD ADVISORS. "For waging war you need guidance,
and for victory many advisers" (Proverbs 24:6). Pray for soldiers in leadership positions to find others with wisdom
and experience from whom they can seek counsel.
COURAGE. As Joshua prepared for battle, the Lord commanded
him to be "strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:9). "Courage," says David F. Winecoff, has little to do with killing people
and destroying property. Courage in its purest form is demonstrated by the man who stands by his convictions no matter
the persecution or ridicule." Pray that your soldier will have both physical and moral courage.
RESISTING TEMPTATION. Abuse of power, sexual temptation,
and escape through drugs and alcohol are just a few of the enticements a soldier faces. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds
us that the Lord will provide a "way of escape" from temptations. Pray that your soldier will look for and take those
escapes.
WITNESS. The reality that a soldier may meet with
death at any moment makes the military fertile ground for the gospel. Ask God for open doors (Colossians 4:3) and that
your soldier will have boldness to speak (Ephesians 6:19).
SAFETY AND DELIVERANCE FROM THE ENEMY. "The horse
is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is of the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31). Whether in training or fighting
a war, a soldier is in constant danger. The greatest protection they have is prayer cover.
TREATMENT OF ENEMIES. Steeling oneself against an
enemy is necessary in war time, but for war wounds to heal, forgiving the enemy becomes necessary. If your soldier goes
to war, pray he will treat the enemy as the Lord calls him to (Proverbs 25:21, Matthew 5:44).
SERVING CHRIST. A soldier's understanding of how
the "chain of command" gets things done brought the admiration of Jesus (Luke 7:1-10). As David Winecoff points out
in Secret Weapon , "The very first convert outside the Jewish community was Cornelius, a soldier." Pray
that the soldier's commitment to duty, obedience to commands, and willingness to endure hardship will serve the Lord's army
well.
*exerpted from How
to Pray for a Soldier, by Connie Alexander Huddleston, Pray! Magazine, issue 20
