DANIEL 10:13-14 : “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
The English poet and hymn writer William Cowper wrote:
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight:
Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees,
The weakest saint upon his knees.
Cowper righty recognized that Satan fears the prayers of God’s people more than anything else.
It’s no wonder, therefore, when Daniel began to pray that he encountered spiritual opposition. His prayers actually created a phenomenal battle in the heavens. The angel sent to respond to his prayers was hindered by the “prince of the kingdom of Persia” for 21 days. This “prince” was not a mortal person like Daniel but apparently a fallen angel of great power.
It was not until Michael, the angel often associated with Israel, came to help that God’s messenger was able to overcome his adversary and deliver his message.
Prayer is often described as simply “talking to God,” and that’s true. But it’s also an act of spiritual warfare. When we pray, we are invading Satan’s territory.
Through prayer we can defeat the plans of the Devil and bring about events that will glorify God. These are not situations that Satan takes lightly, He will oppose sincere prayer every way he can.
As you bow to pray, recognize that you are undertaking serious business, not just having a little chat with a good friend. You are engaging in hand-to-hand combat with mortal enemy and crashing through his strongholds to enter the throne room of God. That’s an incredible privilege. Don’t take lightly.
PRAYER IS NOT A PLAYGROUND; IT’S A BATTLEFIELD.