Years ago when I was in middle school, or was it just yesterday, I read some books by Frank Peretti. His books completely changed my view on spiritual warfare and the battle that is constantly going on around us. I realized then that incorporating prayer coverings into my everyday intimate prayer life was really important.
How To Number 1: Prayer Coverings in Everyday Life
Put on the Armor of God. I have this posted on my refrigerator. The armor of God covers several different aspects, and you can put it on quickly. I ask for the armor of God to be put on myself, my husband, and my boys. I pray that they are covered from their toes to their head. We need to be aware and on guard about the attacks of the enemy. The armor of God is a line of defense that you can put on at this very moment.
Prayer Covering Verse: Ephesians 6: 10-18 NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our 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.”
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of even comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in pace, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
How to Number 2: Prayer Coverings in Everyday Life
Sing. Yep, sing. It is easier to remember scripture with song. Here are some of the songs that I sing as a prayer covering over friends and family.
Songs for Hurting Friends and Family
“I Speak Jesus” by Here Be Lions, featuring Darlene Zschech. Speaking Jesus over your friends and family, over strongholds, over healing, and over your community is powerful. Jesus, just his name is power. Turn this one on and crank it up.
“Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. I have had a few friends the past couple years go through some things where they were barely breathing. They were hurt so badly that prayers might barely be able to escape their lips. I sing this for them. I send this song of prayer up for them.
Songs for Protection and Battle Ground for Family
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
“Plead the Blood” . I listen to the versions by Chris Davenport, Brandon Lake & Cody Carnes. The first time I heard this song, I was visiting a small local church to watch my dad play the drums. Those lyrics stuck and I have sung those words many times in the past two years. The precious blood of Christ gives us a spiritual covering. The blood of Jesus covers our sins and changes everything for those who believe.
Songs for Blessings and Reminding
“The Blessing”. Kari Jobe has an amazing version of this that features Cody Carnes. As a “mama” I want to hide God’s word in my heart and speak it over my family, and their kids, and their kids, and on and on. Jesus is my legacy. The Lord was talking to Moses and told him to tell his brother Aaron and his sons that he wanted him to bless the Israelites by saying these words.
Praying This Verse as a Covering
Numbers 6:23-26 NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible
Example of Numbers 6:23-26 as a Covering
Dear Lord,
I pray for _______ today. I pray that,
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
“Goodness of God” cover by CeCe Winans. Wow! This lady can sing. Sometimes we need to proclaim and speak it even when our circumstances tell a different story. And if we can’t sing it, we cry it out. If we can’t sing it, someone might be standing for us and singing it for us during that time. When your friend or family member is struggling so deeply, you can sing this for them. If we can sing it and we have seen the goodness of God, we better sing it out, because “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19: 40.
How to Number 3: Prayer Coverings in Everyday Life
Have a Routine. Repeating scriptures helps us to hide it in our hearts. It is okay to have the same prayers and scriptures in your routine. Have a time with God first thing in the morning and they sprinkle it in throughout your day.
Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Practical Steps to Add to Your Routine
- Get up 10 minutes before your family does.
- Read the Proverbs of the day. If it is May 22, read Proverbs 22. If it is March 2, read Proverbs 2.
- Pray over each member of your family. This can be as simple and quick. If you need help with finding the words: 1. Pray Scripture 2. Print off Prayers.
- Pick a frequently used item and let it be a reminder for you to pray over someone or something. For example, the coffee maker could be your reminder for praying for your teenage athlete. The gallon of milk could be your reminder for praying for your child as they go back to school. Your perfume could be your reminder to pray for your son.
How to Number 4: Prayer Coverings in Everyday Life
Pray specific scripture coverings. God’s word is powerful. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your prayers. Pray for your families salvation and that they would be filled and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:6-7 (this is one of my favorite life verses)
Example Prayer Covering of Philippians 4:6-7
Lord God,
I pray that _______ won’t be anxious about anything, but that in every situation they face, with prayer and thanksgiving, bring their request to you. Help them to ask you first. Lord, I ask that the peace of God, which goes beyond all understanding, will guard his/her heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Example Prayer Covering
Dear God,
I pray for the will of God to be first and clear in your life. I ask that the good work he started in you will be seen through until completion.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen
Experiencing Good Things: Sometimes our view of “good things” is different from God’s view. When we pray to see things the way that he does and when we ask for his coverings, we can experience the good things He has for us. His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control are all good things that He has in store for us. He has given each of us giftings. We have spiritual gifts that are ready to be used.
Tips for Prayer Coverings in Everyday Life:
Being in constant prayer is one of the most effective ways to hear God’s still small voice. The Holy Spirit indwells in those who have invited him in and helps us to see and seek the kingdom of God.
You can pray for divine protection and direction over the lives of others.
Be in community with other believers and ask them to join you in praying for God’s will and coverings. The prayers of others on your behalf are powerful. The New Testament encourages believers to pray for one another, emphasizing the power and effectiveness of prayer in fostering healing and spiritual growth.
Reminder Verse About Why We Need to Be in Community with Believers
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”
More About Prayer
A Mother’s Prayer for Her Son: Powerful Prayers!
What a lovely collection and reminder! I love praying specific scriptures. I find it helps me to rely on God’s promises and it reminds me of his character and my place in the story. Thanks for sharing!
So true! Thank you for your reminder:)