In my experience as a public speaker, I can testify that Satan doesn’t like Christian events or activities and he’ll disperse his minions to try to hinder them from running smoothly. So to ward off his disruptive attempts, a prayer team gathers before the event to pray for whatever the Holy Spirit lays on each of our hearts.
The term "hedge of protection" originates in Job 1:10: "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land." Scripture is filled with promises of God's protection. Many turn to Psalm 91 as well as a hedge or protection prayer. I always pray: “Lord please put a hedge of your protection around this event. Protect the sound equipment, electronics, speakers, helpers, worship team, and attendees. We will give you all the glory and honor!”
Praying the Armor of God
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul penned a prayer of protection known as the armor of God. My husband and I pray these verses every morning because we know that as Christians, the enemy is going to put obstacles in our way. You’ve surely experienced some of those obstacles yourself, but Ephesians 6:10-11 encourages us to “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (NLT)
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of something we often forget: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (NLT)
The good news for every believer is that we have access to a hedge of protection against Satan’s schemes, “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Verse 17 NLT)
God assures us that we can trust him to fight the spiritual battle for us. So rather than trying to solve problems ourselves or find ways to combat what we might be experiencing in the earthly realm, our role is to call on him. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)
When we’re feeling fearful, worried, threatened, or stressed, we can prayerfully search the Scriptures to discover that God has already provided a safety hedge or shield of protection around those who trust and believe in him. It doesn’t mean the enemy won’t try to weasel into our life, but we know how to prevent his feeble attempts from penetrating our mind, heart, and soul.
Imagine yourself with a hedge of spiritual swords pointed up and surrounding you against any attempts of the enemy as you open your Bible to read God’s Word and pray each day.
Here are four hedge-of-protection prayers, along with sword-of-the-Spirit Scriptures, to fend off and shield us from Satan’s schemes.
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