Prayer of Jehoshophat

By looking at the prayer of Jehosphophat in II Chronicles 20:1-23, we are reminded that we are in a spiritual battle, and that prayer is a powerful weapon God gives us for victory against whatever "enemy" we are facing.  Jehoshaphat stands as an example to us that that the battles in our lives begin in our hearts and minds, and thus prayer should be our first response. His prayer provides a wonderful pattern for us as he begins with praise for who God is, reviews His past faithfulness, reminds the people of God's promises and their commitment to seek Him in trouble, expresses dependence on and trust in the Sovereign God and includes only one request:  will you not judge them?.  How quick am I to humbly tell God I am powerless in the situation, need Him and that my eyes are on Him?  Do I turn over the situation to God, giving up my own rights and efforts in the flesh so that I can watch Him work?  Satan knows that there is power in the prayers of God's people so he will try to distract and derail us from using the weapon we have been given to use.  Am I training myself to use it and then actually doing so?  Jehoshophat's prayer is an effective training tool from which we can learn much.  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:10,12.  In the verses immediatly following Paul describes the spiritual armor we have and he ends with, 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. Notice that our prayers aren't just for our own battles, but for one another.  We don't fight alone.  So let's encourage one another when we don't know what to do to keep our eyes on Him and use our powerful weapon - prayer.