'Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil For your struggle is NOT against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms'. -- Ephesians 6:10-20

Preparing for Recovery ~ War Prayer

Remember Satan's strategy is to besiege your mind until he wears you down and captures your thoughts. That's spiritual warfare. James 4:7 says, "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

We all face challenges and difficult times. GOD DOESN'T SEND THESE STORMS, but it's in times of difficulty that we grow and become stronger. It's a time to allow God's Word to come alive in our life and see us through to victory!

God provides the armor - pieces you put on, and things you take up. The enemy will do everything he can to keep you from turning to your almighty Healer. He wants you to focus on your hurts and problems, so you'll be consumed with a lot of pain, so your life will be ineffective for God. Charles Stanley said that we should all put our armor on before our feet even hit the floor in the morning. Each morning say this prayer:

Lord. Thank you for assuring me of victory today if I follow Your battle plan. So by faith, I claim victory over my eating disorder/addiction (and other things you know you will be faced with today).

To prepare myself for the battle ahead, by faith I put on the Belt of Truth. The truth about You, Lord - that You are a sovereign God who knows everything about me - my strengths, my weaknesses. Lord, You know my breaking point and what I can bear. The truth Lord, is that I'm a new creature in You, and have been set free from the power of sin. I am indwelt with the Holy Spirit who will guide me, and warn me when danger is near. I am Your child, and nothing can separate me from Your love. The truth is that You have a purpose for me this day - someone to encourage, someone to share with, someone to love.

Next Lord, by faith I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness. Through this I guard my heart and my emotions. I will not allow my heart to attach itself to anything that is impure. I will not allow my emotions to rule in my decisions. I will set them on what is right, good and just. I will live today by what is true, not by what I feel (lies).

Lord, next I put on the Sandals of the Gospel of Peace. I am available to You. Send me where You will. Guide me to those who need encouragement or physical health. Use me to solve conflicts where ever You place me. I will not be hurried or rushed, for my schedule is in Your hands. I will not leave a trail of tension and apprehension. I will leave tracks of peace and stability everywhere I go.

I now take up the Shield of Faith. My faith is in You and You alone. Apart from You, I can do nothing. With You, I can do all things. NO temptation that comes my way can penetrate Your protecting hand. I will not be afraid, for You are going with me throughout this day. When I am tempted, I will claim victory out loud ahead of time, for You have promised victory to those who walk in obedience to Your Word. So by faith I claim victory, even now because I know there are fiery darts headed my way even as I pray. Lord, You already know what they are, and have already provided the way of escape.

Lord, by faith I put on the Helmet of Salvation. You know how Satan bombards my mind day and night with evil thoughts, doubt, and fear. I put on this helmet that will protect my mind day and night with evil thoughts, doubt, and fear. I put on this helmet that will protect my mind. And with the helmet of salvation those thoughts will get no further. I elect to take every thought captive; I will dwell on nothing but what is good and right and pleasing to You.

Last, I take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Thank You for the precious gift of Your Word. It is strong and powerful and able to defeat even the strongest of Satan's onslaughts. Your word says that I am under no obligation to the flesh to obey its lusts. Your Word says that I am free from the power of sin. Your Word says that He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. So by faith I take up the strong and powerful sword of the Spirit, which is able to defend me in time of attack, comfort me in time of sorrow, teach me in time of mediation, and prevail against the power of the enemy on behalf of others who need the truth to set them free.

Thank you Lord that you have chosen me to represent You to this lost and dying world. May others see Jesus in me, and may Satan and his hosts shudder as Your power is made manifest in me. In Jesus' name. Amen.