By Deeann Bragaw

Taking a deep breath, the lean athlete focuses on the next obstacle, quickly deciding the best approach. Expectantly the crowd shouts, cheers, and then corporately groans as the contestant slips, falling into the water below. Another competitor starts the course. Again the crowd cheers. Excitement builds as obstacle after obstacle is overcome! Can this warrior make it to the final challenge?

Whether or not you’ve ever even heard of the obstacle course reality TV show American Ninja Warrior, it’s probably safe to assume that all of us want to have a warrior nearby when it comes to prayer. We want obstacles to be overcome, victories to be won, and the seemingly impossible to happen! We can shout and cheer and spur a prayer warrior on. We don’t want a prayer wimp! But to say, “I am a prayer warrior”? That’s a different thing altogether.

What makes a warrior? Are you born a warrior or do you become a warrior? Are you born a wimp, and if so, do you always stay a wimp? Those competing in American Ninja Warrior know one thing: whether or not you were born with natural athletic ability, you will need discipline. You will need perseverance. It will take sacrifice. It will take time. A warrior is willing to do what it takes for victory.

What makes a prayer warrior? Are you born a prayer warrior or do you become a prayer warrior? Are you born a prayer wimp, and if so, do you have to stay a prayer wimp? The truth is that to be a prayer warrior you will need discipline. You will need perseverance. It will take sacrifice. It will take time. A prayer warrior is willing to pray as long as it takes.

The bad news? Many of us may never become prayer warriors because we know the reality of our own present ability. We’re afraid we can’t possibly be warrior-strong, and honestly, we aren’t sure we want to work that hard.

The good news? Every single one of us is able, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to become a prayer warrior! Even prayer wimps.

Talk to those who have experienced American Ninja Warrior success and you’ll hear some common words of advice:

1. Train the mind.
2. Train the body.
3. Train together.

The toughest warriors will tell you that training the mind is just as important as training the body. Same thing with prayer warriors. While God is inviting us to a deeper relationship in prayer every day, the obstacles of priorities and time management loom large before us. The only way to train to overcome obstacles that originate in the mind is to be transformed by the renewing of our minds every day by having the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5, Rom. 12:2). We “have the mind of Christ” by spending time with Christ.

Obviously the body must be physically trained to become a ninja warrior. In the same way, we discipline our- selves to grow stronger in prayer by persevering even when we meet the same obstacles over and over, by not giving up, and by accepting training tips and motivation from our coach, Jesus (who has victoriously conquered every obstacle!).

Just as athletes improve individually by training together, joining together in united prayer increases God’s opportunity to work and brings greater power! Also, hearing the encouragement and prayers of others strengthens us and spurs us on when we feel like wimping out.

How do we know when we’re “warriors?” Just ask the dad in Denver whose videos of his five year old doing their backyard obstacle courses went viral! Warriors are found at every age and every ability level. The heart of a warrior is what makes you a warrior.

This week, why not enter into more intimate and vulnerable conversation with Jesus? Ask for the mind of Christ and the heart of Christ. Ask for the power of the Holy Spirit! As you do this, you’ll become a prayer warrior committed to praying without ceasing, praying without losing heart, praying with others, and keeping your eyes fixed on the author and true finisher of the race! Obstacles? Yes, there’ll be some—maybe even some which have to be met over and over again. That’s to be expected in the life of a warrior. Meet them in the strength of the One who began a good work in you, and who will be faithful to complete it! Warrior or wimp? Warrior all the way.

For help in deepening the conversation with Jesus: www.revivalandreformation.org

–DeeAnn Bragaw is RMC prayer ministry coordinator. Email her at: [email protected]