Book Review~ The Prayer of Protection: Living Fearlessly In Dangerous Times by Joseph Prince

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:2

Book Description

This book is a beautiful reminder of the
confidence we are given when we are
hidden in Christ!

In these days of danger, trouble, and evil, New York Times bestselling author Joseph Prince reveals how God's children can have round-the-clock protection through the power of prayer.


THE PRAYER OF PROTECTION unveils the Bible's ultimate psalm of protection, Psalm 91, to help you understand more about how God guards His children. Joseph Prince offers simple keys and practical advice to finding and resting in the secret place of the Most High, where no evil can even come near you. You'll begin to live unafraid and with boldness as you allow the certainty of your heavenly Father's love and the sure promises of His Word to guard your heart against every fear. Come under the wings of the Almighty and live life divinely protected, 

positioned, and free from all fears with our covenant-keeping God!

My Personal Review

The Prayer of Protection~Living Fearlessly In Dangerous Times by Joseph Prince and published by FaithWords is an insightful work; it provides reassurance and comfort that we can live a protected and peaceful life in Christ.

Joseph Prince clearly communicates to the reader that the promises of protection located in Psalm 91 are relevant and tangible for each of God's children, today. His newest book, The Prayer of Protection breaks down Psalm 91, verse by verse with the intent to strengthen the reader's walk with Christ through the faith building truths that are found within this wonderful chapter in the Bible. The author points out that our culture breeds fear and weakness, from the constant media frenzy of negativity, to the belittling commentary about our God. This continual saturation of fear mongering can force us into an unfruitful paralyzing state. He asserts that as Christians, we need to stand firm in our hope in the Lord; we need to cling to the Word of God and not allow insecurity to take a stronghold in our lives.

The book is divided into twelve chapters. Each chapter carefully inspects a verse or two from Psalm 91. The prevailing message of getting the Word of God into our hearts is emphasized throughout the book, as Pastor Prince writes, "It is so important for you to invest time in getting God's living and powerful Word into your heart." He also contends that "we must involve the Lord Jesus in our lives every day, because only Christ can deliver us and keep us safe." 

I love the personal faith building testimonies that are scattered throughout this book. These illustrations of perseverence serve to provide examples of God in motion. The stories from other's trials create a fantastic sense of applicability that is inspiring. I also enjoyed the depth of which the author explores various words from the verses and uncovers their meaning within the Bible. In so doing, Prince unveils an understanding of the truths to a much deeper level. He continually stresses the importance of quoting the written Word of God, which will, "put up a shield of faith and release power as you declare that your God shall deliver you..". The author reminds us that when the Lord Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He did not merely "think" about scripture, He spoke it out loud. "The enemy will always try to keep you self-occupied and in fear. God wants you Christ-occupied and in faith." The author challenges the reader to memorize Psalm 91 and speak it with authority over your most difficult situations and watch what God does. He encourages us that worship through praise will activate angelic forces to guard us against all sorts of enemy attacks.

Finally, I was drawn into this book simply based upon the sincerity of the grace and mercy message that it contains. As we know, it is already so difficult to live in this world on a day to day basis, so a book that encourages hope, security, strength, confidence and love through the grounded roots of the gospel of Christ and the written Word of God is a HUGE winner in my mind! As Prince writes, "God has already foreseen the problems that we will face in this day and age, and His protection and covering over us is all-encompassing." 

The Prayer of Protection by Joseph Prince does not teach a formulaic "name it and claim it" ritualistic memorization of chanting nonsense, but conversely Prince pleads for each of us to have a relationship with Christ and then utilize this book as a tool to be explored slowly with an open Bible and a receptive heart to the Word of God. It also beckons to be read in an intimate small group where transparency within the setting would allow the Spirit of God to break chains, bring down walls of insecurity and draw people together through the chord of Christ. Whether you read this book in a quiet devotional setting with the Lord or in tandem with others, I would highly recommend you read it! 

Joseph Prince has provided a free 30-day prayer plan available to correlate with the book’s teaching and further your experience. Please click the following link if you would like to participate: http://www.faithwords.com/divineprotection. He also provides a link within the book that will provide answers to the perplexing suffering of Job through a free audio message of bonus content. 

Thank you to FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group Inc., for this review copy of The Prayer of Protection by Joseph Prince. The opinions within this review are my own; I was not required to write a favorable review.

Emergency Preparedness National Day of Action~It doesn't take much time to BE PPREPARED

Psalm 119:82 (MSG)
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of Your promise;  how long must I wait for Your comfort?

Storm clouds on the horizon.

Today is Emergency Preparedness National Day of Action.  It is a "FEMA-sponsored nationwide community based campaign to increase our emergency preparedness and resiliency" as quoted from the FEMA website.  I think the point is to study the geographical area in which you live, and prepare for the most logical scenario for a possible emergency.  I, personally, cannot manage to think about the large scale emergencies, such as, earthquakes and terrorist attacks, so I focus on the smaller more "manageable" emergencies.  In this area of the Midwest, of course, one thinks immediately of tornadoes and ice storms.  With the recent tornado outbreak, it is certainly fresh on my mind. 

We have a basement in our home, so I use our closet under the stairs as a shelter since it has a concrete wall on one side and is a small room.  The area fits all the "criteria" that I researched to make certain it was "the best" room for this function.  I have set it up according to the FEMA recommendations.  If you come with me inside the room, you will find:  water bottles, peanut butter, flash lights, blankets, pillows, weather radio, storm map, hammer, (supposed to be an axe...need to get one of those), change of clothes, first aid kit, a few good books (a given for any time you might be sitting with nothing to do, but not on FEMA's list...gasp)...etc.  It is not air tight, so it doesn't really provide shelter from an air born terrorist attack, and it's in the basement, so it's not a good quake protection zone...as I would want to be standing outside in the field for that one...but I digress. 

Storm Shelter

I think the point is this....I can't possibly prepare for every tragic scenario, but, I can surely focus on this one, sense it is truly a common threat that we are frequently faced with here in Missouri.  So, I took some time today and cleaned out my "shelter".  I changed out the batteries in all of the flashlights and storage box, which I might add had not been done in a LONG time apparently, based upon the many exploded batteries I found!  Interestingly, the brand Rayovac was the culprit.  All the Duracell and Heavy Duty were fine...a post for another day...perhaps...maybe even a commercial...lol.  I replaced old water and snacks and made sure the radio was in working condition.  I shook out the blankets and pillows and rearranged the mattress.  That was easy...push that "easy button" here.  Now I am all "prepared".  How about you?  Are you prepared for whatever might come your way?  It didn't take me very long...and now I can rest assured knowing that I've done what I can do.  It's a nice feeling.

Today's Bible verse is a reminder to me that I need to be ever "watchful" and prepared to do my part to protect the life that He has given me and to guard my children's lives.  And to answer the question of the Psalmist about "how long must we wait for His comfort".....we don't have to wait at all for His comfort!  He is right here.....waiting for us!  We need only go to Him and He will wrap us in His comforting arms.

Father,
Thank you for the ability to provide protection to my family from storms.  I know that You hold us in the palm of Your mighty right hand.  May Your plans and promises always be fulfilled in our lives, so that Your name will be glorified!
Amen



 

Ancient Landmark Words

Psalm 119:52 (MSG)
I watch for Your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track.

I was sleeping so soundly, that when the first loud clap of thunder roared, it about sent me flying out of the bed! I sat straight up, eyes darting to and fro around the room in an effort to reorient myself.  After realizing it was a storm, I nestled back down under the covers and went back  to sleep, confidently relying on our storm sirens to activate if there was a need to seek shelter in the basement. 

When I awoke in the morning, I found my daughter curled up on the couch beside our bed.  I asked her why she had come in our room, and she told me that the storm had scared her.  She said that she had been asleep when the loud thunder woke her.  She became frightened and went into her closet with her Bible.  She opened it to Isaiah where she read His "ancient landmark words", that told her God is her rock and her shelter.  She read that He is always with her and that she doesn't need to be afraid.  She said those words comforted her and helped her tremendously!  She came into our room and quickly fell back asleep, knowing that God is in control of her life and He is right by her side. 

What a blessing to me, as a Mom, to witness my daughter in an active relationship with a mighty and Holy God who loves her and cares so deeply for all that she is going through!  Quite frankly, I can't think of anything more rewarding than that. 

Most Holy God,
Thank you for Your words that are always true and provide us with such comfort in the literal and figurative storms of each of our lives.  We are so blessed to be called Your children. 
Amen
 

The Lighthouse

Psalm 139:19(MSG)

And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! And you murderers-out of here!

 

At the end of the island on Sanibel stands this beautiful lighthouse!  It is a historic island fixture constructed in 1884 to serve as a beacon for travelers moving through the coastal waters of Florida.  I absolutely loved walking around it and imagining what it has seen through the span of time. 

 

Towering tall over the trees and looming powerful over the sand this structure commands attention.  However, even more intriguing to me, were the two birds perched on it's railings.  These birds (which I have sense learned are Osprey) were firm in their commitment to watch over their territory.  As we walked closer to get a more detailed look at the tower, they barely took their eyes off of us.  Even as we stood at the bottom, they leaned over and locked in on our every move. 

Really, I can't even think of a more fitting picture of the light and guidance that God gives me every day than a lighthouse.  The Lord is an ever watchful eye protecting and guiding me away from the wickedness that attempts to come my way. 

The Psalmist plea is my prayer today~

"Please God, do away with wickedness for good."