Spiritual Warfare Power Through Prayer 1907 Edward McKendree Bounds Power through Prayer has been called "one of the truly great masterpieces on the theme of prayer." The term classic can appropriately be applied to this outstanding book. In twenty provocative and inspiring chapters, each prefaced with quotations from spiritual giants, Edward M. Bounds stresses the imperative of vital prayer in the life of a pastor. He says, ". . . every preacher who does not make prayer a mighty factor in his own life and ministry is weak as a factor in God's work and is powerless to project God's cause in this world." The warfare of the saints is not after the flesh, “To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish…,†(II Cor.). "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel ...†(II Cor. 6:10- 19). "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power ... "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it," (Col. 2:10-20 10). Christian Warriors Christian warriors must be trained to fight in spiritual warfare prayer. 1) James 4:7-10: Vs.7-- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.†2) Before you can war successfully against the powers of the devil, you must be submitted, and walking in a right relationship with God. 3) “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded,†(Vs. 8). 4) A prayer warrior must be very close to God. 5) Sanctified and holy living is required. Spiritual Revolution Paul, previously known as Saul of Tarsus had set himself to successfully destroy the Christian religious conviction; but then when Saul of Tarsus met the living Jesus, he changed his focus. He submitted his life to Jesus and called supernaturally him to bring the gospel to the Jewish people and gentiles. God renamed him Paul, “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn from the truth,†(Tit. 1:14). “So will they fear the name of the Lord from the west and East? His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift a standard against Him,†(Isa. 59:1).