THE NECESSITY OF PRAYER, E.M. Bounds
The Christian soldier is compelled to constant picket duty. He must always be on his guard. He is faced by a foe who never sleeps, who is always alert and ever prepared to take advantage of the fortunes of war. Watchfulness is a cardinal principle with Christ’s warrior, “watch and pray” forever sounding in his ears. He cannot dare to be asleep at his post. Such a lapse. . . exposes him to added danger. . . . Sleepless wakefulness is the price one must pay for victory over his spiritual foes. Rest assured that the devil never falls asleep. He is ever “walking about, seeking whom he may devour.”
God’s church is a militant host. Its warfare is with unseen forces of evil. God’s people compose an army fighting to establish His kingdom in the earth. Their aim is to destroy the sovereignty of Satan, and over its ruins, erect the kingdom of God, which is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This militant army is composed of individual soldiers of the cross, and the armor of God is needed for its defense. Prayer must be added as that which crowns the whole.”
“Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8