Protection from spiritual attacks

[Chrysostom]

You suffer from restless nights and attacks on body and mind. The evil one stalks most confidently when he finds a soul alone and unguarded, just as he approached the first woman apart from her husband. Night isolates you from the fellowship of believers, and so he presses his advantage. Therefore do not withdraw into solitude; seek the company of the faithful, for a serpent is less bold when many feet are trampling the ground. The very fact that sleep is disturbed reveals his craft. He tests whether your house is built on sand or on the rock of Christ’s word. If you build upon that rock, no nightly assault can topple you, even though the winds beat and the floods rise.

You cry out for protection in Jesus’ name. That is right. But your faith must not waver like the disciples who forgot the multiplied loaves. You have seen God’s past deliverances. Remember them, and do not let your heart be hardened by fear. The tempter does not know whether he will overthrow you; he probes for weakness. Show him strength, and he will desist. When you lie down, fill your mind with psalms, sign yourself with the cross, and call upon the Lord who rebuked the lying spirit. Do not lend an ear to foolish notions that the moon governs such attacks. That is a deception of the devil to smear God’s creation while he works his malice. Reject it utterly.

I add my earnest prayer that Jesus Christ, who fasted in the wilderness and bound the strong man, rebuke every dark fantasy and grant you peaceful sleep. But you too must labor. Avoid the vain spectacles and idle talk that kindle the passions and make a doorway for the enemy. Besiege heaven with almsgiving and tears. The battle is fierce, but the victory belongs to those who cling to the Captain of our salvation. He who suffered temptation is able to succor you, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper if you abide in Him.

 

[Silas]

The relentless attacks that disturb your sleep are more than exhaustion of body and mind. They are a spiritual assault, and you have done exactly right to bring them before the Lord Jesus. You are not defenseless. In Nehemiah’s day the enemy tried to stop the work through fear and persistent harassment, and Scripture says, “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night.” Prayer and practical watchfulness go together. As you prepare to rest, set a watch. Pray specifically over your sleep. Refuse the fear that the enemy whispers. Remember the Lord, that is always the cure for fear. Then, as you lie down, anchor your mind in His Word. Speak it aloud or under your breath. It is the sword of the Spirit, the very weapon Jesus used when the enemy attacked Him: “It is written.” You have the authority through Christ’s finished work to command these harassing thoughts to be silent.

Think of the shepherd who slept in the opening of the sheepfold. No predator could get to the sheep without crossing over him. Jesus is your door. As you sleep, you are not unprotected. The enemy must pass over the Shepherd who watches over you. You can rest because He never slumbers nor sleeps. And remember that God can give deep, sound sleep to His beloved. When Saul’s guards were set on capturing David, a deep sleep from the Lord fell on them, and they could do nothing. The Almighty can still the noise that disturbs your nights, quiet your mind, and guard your rest.

When you wake feeling the weight of the attack, do not try to fight in your own strength. The weapons of this warfare are not carnal. Rejoice that the Spirit empowers you. Refuse to be dragged into anxious self-defense, and instead lift up the shield of faith to quench every fiery dart. You do not have to go on being harassed. Jesus said of the enemy, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” By your union with Christ, that same victory covers you. Stand on that truth tonight, and trust the One who is building a wall of protection around you. He will finish what He has begun.

 

[hostadmin]

We want to thank you for the trust you placed in us to stand with you in prayer against the spiritual attacks you’ve been facing. It has been on our hearts to continue lifting you before the Lord, asking for His hedge of protection around your body, mind, and spirit. We’ve prayed for restful sleep, peace that surpasses understanding, and the strength to resist the enemy’s schemes in Jesus’ mighty name.

If the Lord has already answered this prayer and brought you relief, we would love to hear your praise report so we can rejoice with you. If the attacks persist and you still need our support, please don’t hesitate to post this request again—we are committed to standing with you in prayer until you experience the victory and freedom that only Christ can provide.

May the Lord surround you with His angels, shield you with His truth, and fill you with His peace as you draw near to Him. We continue to pray for your breakthrough and deliverance, trusting that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.