15 Powerful Characteristics of Prayer Warrior
What do you want to be when you grow up? This question is perfect in the context of spiritual growth. As I grow in my faith- I want to be a prayer warrior! Getting in God’s Word is a strength. It comes naturally to me. Praying, however is more of an intentional act. But, I really want to be more of a prayer warrior! So what are the characteristics of a prayer warrior? Let’s see what we can learn about prayer and becoming more fierce in our prayer life…
Prayer is a Spiritual Weapon
Ephesians 6:16-20 – In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
A warrior is defined as a brave or experienced fighter. Let’s apply that to prayer. A prayer warrior is doing battle through prayer. This is one of our divine weapons- a powerful weapon. Our other divine weapon is mentioned right before prayer in Ephesians 6. It is the Sword of the Spirit- God’s Word. One of the powerful ways we can become a prayer warrior is pray or declare the Truth of God’s Word when praying. This practice aligns prayers with God’s revealed truth, seeking guidance, comfort, and strength from His promises. Declaring His Word amplifies faith, reinforcing trust in God’s character, promises and His plans.
What is a Prayer Warrior?
A prayer warrior is someone who is deeply committed to the spiritual discipline of intercessory prayer. Unlike traditional prayers, a prayer warrior engages in fervent and persistent prayer for others, the people in their life and on a larger scale. Prayer warrior emphasizes the warrior-like dedication to spiritual battles through prayer. A prayer warrior stands in the gap, interceding for healing, guidance, protection, and transformation.
Prayer warriors are known for strong faith, discipline, and discernment of the spiritual realm. They believe the power of prayer changes things. Prayer warriors often spend significant time with God, studying Scriptures, and discerning the needs of those for whom they pray. They see prayer as both a defensive and offensive weapon in the spiritual realm, battling against adversity and seeking God’s will. Essentially, a prayer warrior is a devoted servant of God, dedicated to the transformative power of prayer as a means to bring about spiritual change, growth and blessings in the lives of individuals and the world at large.
Greatest Example of a Prayer Warrior
Jesus Christ himself, in His constant prayers to the Heavenly Father, is one of the greatest prayer warriors. He knew without a doubt the importance of prayer. The Son of Man prayed for His church, that they would remain faithful after he left them (John 17). He prayed for God’s will to be done even if it meant facing the worst death imaginable (Mark 14). Jesus even prays for the forgiveness of those who put him on the cross that he was actively dying upon (Luke 23). And He always prayed for God’s will to be done, aligning himself with the Heavenly Father, to the point of painful death. A powerful prayer warrior is also aligned with God’s will in all circumstances and always has God’s kingdom in mind.
Characteristics of a Prayer Warrior {with Bible Verses}
So, do you wanna be a prayer warrior when you grow up? Let’s get into some of the specific characteristics of a prayer warrior…
Patience
Romans 8:25 – But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Patience is so hard! However patience in necessary in prayer. God’s timing is not our timing. That is a hard truth, but we can be encouraged that God is always active and moving on our behalf. Patience is an important characteristic of a prayer warrior.
Faithful in Prayer
Colossians 4:2 – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
To be faithful in prayer is to not just pray when you happen to think about it, but rather to devote yourself, mind and body, to consistent, meaningful prayer. Prayer warriors demonstrate a consistent prayer life.
Persistent in Prayer
Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Tying both faithfulness and patience in prayer together, we are to be persistent in our prayer life. Devote yourself to praying for God’s will to be done, and be patient for His timing, continuing to pray in the waiting. As you pray consistently, you will find that what you ask and seek are in step with God’s plan, because praying aligns our hearts with God’s heart.
Dependence on God
John 15:5 – I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Prayer warriors pray because they depend on God. They know that nothing can be done through their own strength, so they must seek the strength of God. That same power and strength lives within us, through the Holy Spirit as we abide in Him.
Prayer is Their Default
Ephesians 6:18a – praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Prayer is not an afterthought in the life of a prayer warrior. This is an area that I am asking God to refine in me. My knee jerk reaction to life is to come up with a solution in my own wisdom and way. However, I really want prayer to become my first thought, not my after thought.
Humility
1 Peter 5:6 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
A prayer warrior is able to do everything above – default to prayer, depend on God, devote themselves to prayer – because they are humble. They do not boast in their own strength. Rather, a prayer warrior positions themself underneath the power of God, recognizing the power of God.
Brings Everything to the Lord
1 John 5:14 – And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Much like defaulting to prayer, a prayer warrior brings everything to the Lord. They do not pick and choose what they hand over to God and what they keep for themselves. But rather, they give up control of all of it, submitting to God’s plan and will.
Love & Compassion for Others
Colossians 3:12 – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,…
It is a prayer warrior’s love and compassion for others that drives them to prayer. Prayer is one of our powerful weapons. Therefore, praying on behalf of others is the best possible way we can help them, love on them, and even rejoice with them. There is nothing we can do in our own strength that will overpower what prayer can and will do.
Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
A prayer warrior is in tune to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.
Knowledge of God’s Word
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Sometimes prayer can be hard because we don’t know where to start or what to pray for. Knowing and understanding God’s truth guides our prayer life. It also affirms our faith in His character, promises and plans.
Intercessory Prayer
James 5:16 – Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Intercessory prayers are prayers for another person. A prayer warrior prays over other people’s lives, both when they are prompted by prayer requests, and even without them. Prayer is powerful and transformative.
Boldness and Courage
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Warriors in physical battle are not passive, they are bold and courageous. Same goes for warriors in spiritual battle. They fervently pray without ceasing, knowing that their God will hear their cries. They are passionately aligned with God and His will.
Surrender to God’s Will
Luke 22:42 – And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’
Another powerful characteristic of a prayer warrior is complete surrender to God’s will. Imagine the freedom in letting go of specific outcomes and truly entrusting the outcome to God. He is good and the Father of every good and perfect gift from heaven. We can trust His will.
Gratitude and Thankfulness
Philippians 4:6 – do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
A prayer warrior does not pray in all of these ways just to let God’s works go unrecognized. There is a consistent gratitude for God’s works and character. Gratitude is woven into the fabric of prayer.
Encourager
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
A prayer warrior uplifts and encourage others through prayer, speaking life and hope into challenging situations.
How to Become a Prayer Warrior
Are you ready to pray powerful prayers? Below are practical steps you can take to begin to develop this discipline in your life. Don’t forget to ask God to help you refine this- everything works better when God is helping us.
Establish a Regular Prayer Routine
The best way you can become consistent in prayer is to establish a regular prayer routine. Set aside specific times that you will devote strictly to prayer, and have a strategy for how that time of prayer will work.
Study and Meditate on Scripture
Pair your Bible study with a prayer session, praying that you would better understand and grow in the will of God.
You can also create Scripture cards and place them in high traffic spots to remind yourself to pray that truth on a more regular basis.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Meditating on God’s Word
Deepen Your Relationship with God
James 4:8 – Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
This is done simply by spending time with Him. Avoid the temptation to complicate this! Time in His Word, prayer, meditation, reflection and gratitude are some of the ways we can connect with our Heavenly Father.
Practice Intercession for Others
Put prayer for other people in your regular prayer routine. One way I am incorporating consistent prayer for others is with notecards. I am putting specific names on notecards that God has laid on my heart so I can consistently lift them up. When I get ready to pray, I grab my notecards.
Cultivate Gratitude in Your Prayers
Weave gratitude into the fabric of your prayers. God’s character, promises and plans are cause to rejoice in the Lord. This practice also encourages us in the waiting.
Cultivate Worship in Your Prayers
Worship God in your prayers, proclaiming His holiness and glorifying Him.
Seek Accountability and Fellowship
Do everything above with a friend! Build your routines together and continue to talk to each other throughout this wonderful process. And it’s always nice to have someone to pray alongside.
Final Thoughts on Characteristics of a Prayer Warrior
There are so many characteristics of a prayer warrior. Were you as suprised as I was? If you are wanting to embrace a life of prayer God will empower and equip you to do so. Depend on Him to help you refine your prayer warrior qualities. Prayer is part of God’s call. Hearing and responding to our prayers is a promise of God. As you seek to weave prayer into your daily life be encouraged that God delights to communicate with you through prayer. What additional tips can you share to bolster our prayer lives? Leave a comment below!
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