Prayers

Prayer Our Protection

by Charla Knight
02/07/15
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Boomer Gump, our dog who we nicknamed after Forest Gump, was older and a bit chunky from too many biscuits and extra helpings. He was sweet, and happily grunted and snorted as he ran and played in the house. However, since he seemed more stubborn than smart, this little dog refused to go to the bathroom on paper or pads like our other two Shih Tzu dogs. Boomer Gump must’ve heard the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick,” because he snubbed the idea altogether. Boomer Gump refused to go on a pad; he seemed to prefer the great outdoors as a place to relieve himself. Therefore, as good doggy parents, my husband and I would take him outside in the extreme heat, rain, sleet, hail, ice, and snow, so that he could do his business. We had no choice, unless we wanted puddles on our floor.

About an acre of land bordered our home. Several houses on that block did not have fences or any kind of barriers in their backyards. Initially, I didn’t even want to look at the property for that very reason. Without a fence to guard and protect the property, I thought it wouldn’t provide a safe environment for our dogs or future children. According to the housing association rules, the fence had to be a particular style, and we couldn’t afford it; however, we loved the house so much that we moved there, fence or not. Unfortunately, the open yard became an issue on several occasions.

On one particular afternoon, I walked Boomer Gump outside near the big, beautiful oak tree. He took his time smelling the green grass for just the right spot when three large dogs charged around the corner, straight for Boomer Gump, as if he were their afternoon snack. I screamed, grabbed Boomer Gump, and tried desperately to protect him, placing him between my body and the tree. It happened so suddenly and unexpectedly in our peaceful neighborhood that I felt unprepared. I didn’t have my cell phone; but even if I did, I had my hands full and wouldn’t have been able to use it. The garage door was open, but the distance was too far, and the idea of trying to run for it quickly vanished from my mind. Those three dogs would unquestionably attack us if we made any startling move.

I remembered reading that you shouldn’t look an aggressive dog in the face, or run from it because those actions would trigger a hunting instinct in the dog. I didn’t want those three dogs to think of Boomer and me as prey, so I froze. Out of fear I stood there, thinking that I couldn’t move. I tried to hide Boomer Gump’s fluffy, nervous tail so they couldn’t grab it. Peering around the tree, I tried to catch a glimpse of their whereabouts, and with my heart thumping loudly, the dogs made it apparent by growling while showing their teeth that plump Boomer Gump would be a good catch for their afternoon sport and that they weren’t changing their minds.

Out of determination as much as a willingness to live and to save Boomer Gump, I planned to stay motionless until help arrived. After looking around, I realized there was no one nearby to hear my cry for help. Surprisingly, a few seconds later, a car zoomed by. I thought, What a relief, they surely will see my desperation and stop to help. They had their window down; so I quickly yelled, “Help, I’m trapped!” They didn’t respond, appearing to be in a hurry with the radio blaring. I realized my shriek got lost in the racket of the music. The thought, then, came to my mind to pray, and in the strongest, quivering screech I could muster, I spoke, “Lord, please help me. I don’t know what to do. Please save us.”

Within minutes, the dogs took off running. I was so glad but shocked that they left and wondered why. I looked around, and when I was sure they all three had darted off, I ran inside and closed the garage door, forgetting the fact that Boomer Gump still had to go to the bathroom.

A big gasp, with thanksgiving and praise to God mixed in it, left my mouth, followed by a big sigh. God saved us; he called off the dogs and I am forever grateful. We weren’t even harmed. I had experienced the power of prayer. God had been watching over us the whole time just as it says in 2 Samuel 22:4. “You save me from being hurt. I call upon the Lord, Who should be praised. I am saved from those who hate me.”

Even though, that was a short encounter, I learned the significance of prayer in my life. Although Boomer Gump may be too old to change, I learned that it’s never too late to incorporate prayer into one’s daily routine; it can actually be a life-saving intervention. Prayer is the fence that guards our life, our body, our mind, and our heart in Christ Jesus; and even protects those around us whom we love. Prayer is the avenue for protection from God because God is our protector.

Discovering our need for God’s protection is essential; considering there are many kinds of dogs that can come into our lives. Now there are good dogs like Boomer Gump that we eagerly accept, those people who are a blessing who might have an ounce of stubbornness, but when all is said and done, they will still be a friend. On the other hand, there are those spiritual, evil dogs that can manifest into reality like people who are mad at us and possess no restraint. There are also those who are jealous of us and aspire to bring us to ruin, as well as those whom we might have wronged, whether intentionally or not, and they want excessive revenge. Unfortunately, there are those who are just looking for someone, anyone to vent their frustrations and anger out on, and may do anything to hurt us. “Watch out for those dogs. They are people who do evil things…” (Phil. 3:2) These dogs could appear in our lives when we least expect it, and if we are not inside the fence of God’s protection–rather, absorbed in constant prayer and consumed with thoughts of God and his word, we could be overtaken by one or even three dogs.

We never know what can enter into our lives, but with God as our protector, we need not fear what awaits us. In our relationship with God, we can keep our fences strong with persistent, fervent prayer—when we spend time with the Father. Through prayer, God creates solid boundaries to protect us from obstacles, wrong beliefs, and spiritual warfare that the enemy hurls our way. And through prayer, God can save not only us but also our entire household (John 4:53). When we pray and believe it has already been done, our prayers end up being answers to our problems; and God, to whom we pray, has that answer to our problem before we ask. He just is waiting for us to call on him so that he can provide the answer.

“And it will be before they call, I will answer. While they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)

Life with no fences is no life at all. When we choose Christ and allow him to protect us from what troubles could enter in, we discover that he is faithful and will protect us when we are unable to protect ourselves.

When we least expect it, danger approaches. But when we’re up against a tree, God helps us realize the importance of prayer. As we approach God with our needs, he can call off the dogs and be that fence of protection for us. God, to whom we pray, hears our prayers and provides exactly what we need and at precisely the right time.

Dear most precious heavenly Father,

Thank you for hearing my cries for help and pouring out your saving grace when I pray even a simple prayer from my heart. Lord, thank you for showering me with your mercy, for protecting me, and comforting me when I’m afraid. Lord, please keep those evil and angry dogs from harming me in my journey with you. Thank you, too, God, since I am yours, when I’m attacked, I can run to you for covering and protection.

Lord, please keep my relationship with you strong through prayer and continue to take care of me and my family. Lord, please keep my spiritual fence complete, with no holes, gaps, or unguarded entrances so that no predators will get in to harm me. Please help me to not go outside the fence or hedge of your protection by choosing sin.

Oh, Great and Awesome God, you are truly my Shield and Protector. I lift up my praises to you, for you deliver me from many troubles each day. And may you get all the thanks, honor, and glory.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.