In the battle against darkness in our lives, we do not have to lose when we can use prayer as a weapon of war. In this article, we break down the Charles Spurgeon quote; “Prayers are the believer’s weapons of war. When the battle is too hard for us, we call in our great ally, who, as it were, lies in ambush until faith gives the signal by crying out, ARISE, OH LORD!” Here he captures a vivid and empowering picture of prayer as a “weapon of war” for believers.
This imagery speaks to the potency of prayer, especially in spiritual battles that feel overwhelming or beyond our control. Spurgeon portrays prayer not merely as a form of communication, but as an active call for divine reinforcement—a way to summon God’s power into situations we cannot face alone.
“Prayers are the believer’s weapons of war. When the battle is too hard for us, we call in our great ally, who, as it were, lies in ambush until faith gives the signal by crying out, ARISE, OH LORD!”
Charles Spurgeon
Pray when the battle is too hard
The phrase “when the battle is too hard for us” acknowledges our human limitations. Sometimes, the challenges we face exceed our strength, wisdom, and resources. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, believers have access to a greater force: God Himself, described here as “our great ally.” This ally, God, is always ready to intervene. Still, He often waits for us to seek Him earnestly and recognize our dependence on Him.
God lies in ambush, waiting to defend us
The idea that God “lies in ambush” until faith calls upon Him reinforces the significance of our own faith and trust. He stands ready, poised to step into our struggles with might and authority. Yet, He doesn’t force His way in; He waits for the moment our faith calls out boldly, “Arise, O Lord!” This cry—a mixture of faith, surrender, and expectation—signals our trust in Him and our acknowledgment that only He can secure victory.
Arise, O Lord, in Your anger;
Psalm 7:6
Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies;
Rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded!
Prayer activates God’s promises
Spurgeon’s words remind us that prayer isn’t passive; it’s an act of faith that activates God’s promises and willingness to fight for us. This image calls us to embrace prayer as a powerful, divine strategy that brings us into God’s strength and shifts the course of our battles from impossible to victorious.
As you learn the promises in God’s word, pray them back to God. He is a God who never lies and will fulfill the demands of His promises as we remain in His covenant. Learn His Covenant and enjoy all your upcoming victories with prayer!
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-6