Worship Warfare
The story of a nightmare, a prayer, and praise
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
~ Ephesians 6:12–18, ESV
I woke a little after midnight Sunday night, and the house felt dark. The bed was stuffy, my heart was pounding, and I was simultaneously riddled with anxiety and drunkenly exhausted. I fought to pull myself fully awake from the horrible nightmare, but sleep came again and again, thrusting me back into the fear and grief. I saw my children die over and over, felt the torture of unseen hands, experienced the…