Shortly after entering the Promised Land, Joshua encountered a man with his sword drawn. The man identified himself as Captain of the host of the Lord. He was Captain of the Lords army. (Joshua 5:13-15) The word host in Hebrew has military connotations and is frequently translated as army. God is called the Lord of hosts many times in the Bible. Our God has armies of angels.
A Christian Sister, Jennifer LeClair, has written a book, Angels on Assignment, Again. She points out that the armies of Heaven are great, numerous and powerful. She quotes a Scripture that just opened my eyes.
"Bless the LORD, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word." Psalm 103:20Sister LeClairs contention is that the angels hearken to the Word of God, and we have His Word! If we pray, using the Word of God, not only does the Lord hear, but the angels hear and respond to His Word. The Lords armies are not at our beck and call, but if we pray reciting the words spoken by the Lord, or inspired by the Holy Spirit, the angels can respond. If we quote from the Bible, His Word, the Psalm quoted above says that the angels will hear and follow the commandments of the Lord.
"For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword . . ." Hebrews 4:12
"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." I John 5:14-15Here are some suggested Scriptures for yourself or others:
"Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me." Psalm 6:2
"Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise." Jeremiah 17:14
"For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD." Jeremiah 30:17
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5
"But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2We serve a mighty God and He heads an army of mighty angels. Here are some prayers for protection taken from the Word of God:
"Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me." Psalm 59:1
"Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings." Psalm 140:4
". . . LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of (my enemies) into foolishness." II Samuel 15:31
"Let all my enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly." Psalm 6:10
". . . let the mischief of their own lips cover them." Psalm 140:9
"O LORD my God, in Thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me". Psalm 7:1
"Let my adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle." Psalm 109:29
"Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name . . ." Psalm 79:9Following are several Scriptures affirming the protection and deliverance from the Lord:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
"The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul." Psalm 121:7
"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." Psalm 91:2
"But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." Psalm 3:3
"I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." Psalm 3:6
"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" Psalm 118:6
"The God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." II Samuel 22:3-4
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
"But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee." Psalm 5:11
"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee." Psalm 20:1
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:19The Lord hears and answers our prayers. Pray reciting the very words of the Lord! May the Lord be praised always and forever for His Holy Word that we have been blessed to receive.