I am studying Priscilla Shirer’s book Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer. Priscilla believes that Satan is behind spiritual struggles and recommends that people of faith write specific prayer strategies to counter Satan’s attacks.

Strategy 2 – Against Your Focus

He [Satan] disguises himself and manipulates your perspective so you end up focusing on the wrong culprit, directing your weapons at the wrong enemy.

Priscilla Shirer

A PRAYER FOR FOCUS

Heavenly Father, before I bring my need, I bring a humble and contrite heart. I fall short of your glory and righteousness. You have shown me what is good, yet I know I am not the person you want me to be.

Lord, I have felt every degree of anger from mild annoyance to irritation to anger and rage. I get annoyed with people who don’t behave the way I think they should. I get angry at people who act selfishly and abuse and oppress others. I have blamed others for my problems and carried the heavy weight of resentment.

Father God, I know that Satan loves to instigate hatred and discord. He loves to see your people fighting and tearing each other down. Surely, he delights when I do not produce the fruit of your Spirit, when I am not patient and kind and gentle and in control of my emotions.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Father God, I pray that in my anger, I will not give the devil a foothold. Rid me of all bitterness, rage and anger, insults and slander, and every form of unkindness and ill will. Help me to be kind and compassionate to everyone, forgiving others, just as you forgave me. May my words be wholesome, helpful and uplifting.¹

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.²

Father, thank you for all that is good and delightful and beautiful in this world. I pray that your kingdom will come and your will be done on this earth as it is in heaven.

Amen

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1. See Ephesians 4:26-32

2. Psalm 51:10 (ESV)