Prayer defeats Satan

(Here is another encouragement for prayer from the article, Your prayers matter - Things happen or don't happen because of prayer, by Alvin J. Vander Griend)

Prayer defeats Satan.

Two powerful forces work in the world today—the power of God and the power of Satan. The power of God is infinitely greater, but we are affected by both.

Since Satan's power is greater than that of humans, we are constantly at risk. Paul reminds us that we struggle "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil" (Eph. 6:12). In order to stand, we are challenged to put on the whole armor of God and to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (v. 18).

In response to prayer, God brings His power to our defense so we are able to stand against the devil's schemes. When the Israelites, on their way to the Promised Land, were confronted by the devil-inspired Amalekites, Moses' intercession moved the hands of God to intervene and give the battle to Joshua's army (Ex. 17:8–13). Today, Jesus Christ sits on the throne of glory and lifts holy hands in behalf of embattled believers. And we, His saints, stand and pray with Him even as Aaron and Hur stood by Moses to support him.

When Peter was being severely tested by Satan, Jesus came to his defense with prayer and then explained to Peter what and why He had prayed: "I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail" (Lk. 22:32).

The devil dreads our prayers more than anything. A mighty prayer warrior once said, "Satan laughs at our toiling, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." It's no wonder Satan trembles. By means of prayer, the power of the omnipotent God of heaven and earth is brought against him. He doesn't stand a chance.