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We welcome back Mr. Rick Verkerk as guest to Wilderness Wanderings. He concludes his five-part series on praying for others.

Today, I want to reflect on the need to protect ourselves because intercessory prayer is serious business.

My understanding of prayer has come little by little. It\u2019s a life-long journey. And the practice of prayer discipline, both for myself and others, is a daily challenge. It\u2019s a work in progress but I\u2019m thankful for that! Praying for others is an important part of our relationship with God our Father, Jesus and the Holy Sprit. Unleashing the power of God through intercessory prayer requires true faith, continual and earnest prayer like Elijah did. And the reward of prayers being answered are incredible. But the enemy does not want us to pray and actively tries to dissuade us from doing it. (1 Peter 5:8) Why? Because prayer defeats evil. By prayer, the kingdom of God is built, and by prayer the kingdom of Satan is destroyed. If you want to step up and stand in the gap to intercede for others, you are at risk. You are a target. But since God\u2019s power is greater than Satan\u2019s, we are safe in his hands. We need protection against the power of Satan and God is our constant source of protection. Use today\u2019s Scripture reading Ephesians 6:10-18 as part of your prayer discipline. Pray for yourself these verses so you can intercede with boldness like the \u2018friend in the middle\u2019. Notice the words \u2018stand against\u2019 (v11), \u2018stand your ground\u2019 (v13), \u2018Stand firm\u2019 (v14) as you stand in the gap, building up the walls of the Kingdom of God. To summarize, prayers for yourself that you can stand your ground in the gap. Be patient, be strong and persevere. Elijah prayed how many times before a small cloud appeared? Finally, today\u2019s text ends with a wonderful challenge for all believers.

\u201cPray in the Spirit for all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and keep on praying for all the saints.\u201d

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord shine his face upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).