America Tonight recently interviewed our family about our beliefs. The reporter mainly wanted to know how our faith impacts our family planning decisions. But he also asked whether we’re trying to raise up an “Army for God.”

It’s not the first time we’ve gotten that question. Frankly, it makes me a little uncomfortable every time it happens.

I fear that, for many non-Christians, the phrase might conjure mental images of highly suspicious folk who live in isolation, stockpile weapons, and practice military drills with their kiddos for fun.

That certainly does not describe my family.

The Bible does use a lot of military metaphors. Yet it tells us clearly that “our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Our Common Foe

We have an enemy, yes. But our enemy is not flesh and blood. It’s not liberal Democrats or radical feminists. Not gay activists. Not even Islamic extremists. Our real enemy is not our fellow man — no matter how different our faith, lifestyle, philosophy, or voting records may be.

Our true enemy is Satan. He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) Yet God has called–and equipped!–us to stand firm against his schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)

This is our prayer

As parents, we want to train our children to do the same. We want our kids to…

Stand firm against Satan’s devices (Ephesians 6:11)
Boldly engage the culture (2 Timothy 1:7)
Shine as a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:16)
Always and only speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
Articulate their beliefs with grace and humility (Colossians 4:6)
Respectfully discuss matters of faith with people who think differently — including reporters who ask probing questions on camera 🙂 (Philippians 3:15)
Be ready in and out of season to give a reason for the hope that lies within them (1 Peter 3:15)
Recognize the difference between our one true enemy and the captives he compels to labor on his behalf (2 Timothy 2:26)
Daily take up the full armor of God, so that they will be able to stand firm in the evil day. (Ephesians 6:13)

These are our prayers not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. Doug and I have prayed daily for all of them since before they were ever born. And God has been so faithful to answer our prayers — the chief of which is that He would draw them to Himself from an early age and help them live in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

Praying for Your Children

Perhaps you haven’t been as consistent about praying for yourself or your kids as you’d like. Well, it’s never too late to begin! You may want to download one of our printable prayer guides to help you get started:

Each of these prayers are firmly grounded in Scripture. I love praying the Word over my family. I can do so with full confidence, knowing that I am praying with the mind of Christ.

Maybe that’s why Heidi St. John’s newest book, Prayers for the Battlefield, so resonates with me. Her prayers are absolutely drenched with Scripture.

I’ve been reading an advanced review copy of her book while our family has been on vacation. But I can hardly wait for it to get my hard copy so I can transfer all my notes and underlinings into it.

Although Prayers for the Battlefield will not be out for a few more weeks, you can pre-order now on Amazon (and if you buy through my affiliate link, you will help support the ministry of my website, as well — so thanks!). I hope it will be as much a blessing and encouragement to you as it has been to me!