Sometimes Prayer is Just Standing
. . . and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore . . . praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . . (Ephesians 6:13-18).
. . . Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. . . (Exodus 14:13)
You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD . . . (II Chronicles 20:17)
And the list of scriptures goes on and on – scriptures that tell us that sometimes prayer is simply to stand. There are those times when having the right words to say isn’t what we need. That’s when the power of His Word alive in us becomes our greatest prayer. That’s when having our identity secure in Christ brings an undeniable shift in the atmosphere around us.
May I tell you a rather unspiritual little story that illustrates this? My husband was a high school football coach for many years. I enjoyed going to the games to cheer his team to victory and console the losses. I was in the stadium cheering for his team one night. A very loud and rude man was stationed about 15 rows above me. From the beginning of the game, he yelled offensively using very foul language – all criticisms aimed at my husband’s coaching. I listened to this through the first quarter, the second quarter and the third quarter. Each quarter, he grew louder and more vulgar until by the beginning of the fourth quarter, I had had enough! I stood up. I turned around. And I looked at the man. Then, I thought, “Nancy, what are you doing?! He’s so out of control that he might come down here and punch you in the nose!” I had no words to say to that man. All I could do was stand and look at him. As I stood and watched him, he became so angry and then confused that he nearly imploded. He finally gave up, folded his arms, closed his mouth and never made another sound the remainder of the game.
What happened that night? That man was out of order and out of control. His behavior was clearly wrong and a violation to all of us around him. I stood in the power of what was right. I certainly didn’t stand in my own power – I was scared! And I stood secure in my identity – I was the coach’s wife! I never said a word; I just stood there. What was the result? There was an undeniable shift in the atmosphere in that stadium.
So, words can be good in prayer. But sometimes prayer is just standing.
Glad you mentioned this on the call so I could read it, Nancy. I needed the reminder in oh-too-many situations right now that my authority and standing in it, is what will accomplish the touch of the Lord that is needed.
I should know by now, as a wordy person, I get used more often by the Lord when I don’t use them.
Great illustration!
I stand in awe of our God! And I love how you communicated this, Nancy.
Today is May 8, 2012. Funny how I didn’t know this blog even existed but was spirit led to this website. You have no idea how much I needed this article but God knew. I have been believing and praying relentlessly over a serious matter and I have exhausted all prayer -I needed so much to hear and be reminded that when I have done all I know to do and prayed it all out then my prayer is to stand. Thank you for this so much needed reminder. God bless.
Today is May 6th 2013 and this blog, plus the others, are inspiring and encouraging, and TIMELESS. That was a brave action to take, Nancy. Words are not always needed. Yes, you stood in the strength, courage, peace and serenity of the Lord of all Authority, Jesus, the Captain of the Hosts. I chuckle at the picture your story entails. The Lord laughs at His enemies. May we all be inspired to make a strong stand for righteousness, and not be silenced by the enemy’s bully tactics. I am a Piper [blaw bagpipes] so appreciate your story. Bless you.
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WOW what words of wisdom. Sorry I am just now reading this. I have been resting in the Lord today and reading a lot. I was called to these blogs after reading the Global Prayer Target. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
I was at a meeting in Australia recently, where a gentleman was sharing a part of his, testimony in his address. The Lord had sent him to a Middle East Nation, which he named, but I shall not. A closed Nation, After He had been there a few years sharing the gospel where he was able, He was told of a shipment of bibles that had come into the country and asked if He could distribute them. Knowing that if caught He would be summarily shot, He sought the Lord, and hearing Him say yes, He started distributing these bibles. Some time later, in the early hours of the morning there a loud incessant banging on His door. Looking out of the window near the door he saw a platoon of armed soldiers ready for conquest. He went back to His wife and told her what was happening, and that there was a pile of bibles on the table. Went to the door opened it and just stood looking straight Nancinto the eyes of the armed commander who had the gun pointed straight at him. He held his stance, and after some minutes the commander, turned to his troops with aloud clapping of feet together , said to the troops quick march, And they marched of down the street. Another example of standing prayer