And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12, KJV)
In teaching his followers to pray, Jesus includes a requirement to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth; there is also a reference to the ‘kingdom, power and glory’ (Matt 6:9-13). The implications of these are numerous, including the fact that there are other kingdoms that strive to establish their own will and influences over mankind. Then also is an indication that there is provision for power (force) to bring about God’s Kingdom rule on earth. The focus of the parish through its theme for the month – Prayer Force - is on Kingdom force that believers have to appropriate for their personal victory and the advancement of Kingdom interests.
Believers in Christ are called to warfare since Satan, the arch enemy of believers and our God, makes war against the saints (Dan 7:21). Consequently, followers of Christ are variously called God’s battle axes, soldiers of the Cross, and commanded to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12). God’s eternal reign over the universe will ultimately be established by force after the battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:13-16, 20:7-9). Thankfully, in this exercise of Kingdom force and spiritual warfare, there is promise of power from on high to guarantee victory for God’s people. Therefore let all who will exercise Prayer Force shout a big halleluyah!!