First We Pray: Lesson 6--Question 2C

Why does Satan want to keep us from prayer?

If we were to consider some general principles of warfare in response to this question, it becomes clear why Satan seeks to keep us from prayer. As a tactical maneuver, if the lines of communication are shut down between the target's troops and Commander in Chief, the troops become very vulnerable. They become susceptible to lies or misinformation, making them unaware of what’s really going on. Soon they begin making decisions without all the intel that’s needed. Essentially, the troops are fighting "blind" with no opportunity to receive intelligence about the Enemy; strategies can’t be shared; morale can’t be boosted; they can’t call for back-up and rescue attempts are sabotaged. In sum, broken lines of communication can be devastating to the troop's ability to fight effectively. Death and casualties are imminent.

If Satan keeps us from prayer, in essence shutting down our lines of communication, his goal is accomplished: disappointment, discouragement, dejection, despair, and demoralization have an opportunity to set in and keep us separated from God---a kind of spiritual death.