In Luke 10:19 Jesus says, "I give you the authority and power . . . over all the power of the enemy." There is no one who has manifested and exhibited more love and compassion than Jesus. He very patiently ministered with all-consuming love to crowds of sick and tormented people. He worked to the point of exhaustion to relieve human need . . . but there is another side.
We see Him furious with religious bigotry that would rather see a man remain deformed than violate religious tradition. His hand brandished a whip as He rejected religious commercialism in the house of God Almighty.
So when we see both sides of Jesus, we get a glimpse of both sides of prayer. It is to see the need for compassion and weeping with those who weep. And it is to enter into unabashed warfare when we see satan, the adversary with his program and plan to violate territory that is rightfully Christ's.
When we pray for worship, we need to be aware of both sides, also. There are people in every worship service who come with hurt and defeat. And satan cannot abide the praises of the people of God. We literally do spiritual warfare when we join hearts in unified praise. So when we approach worship and praying for worship, we need to sense both sides.
Persistent prayer is invading the impossible for the glory of God! mjm
