Tag Archive for: prayer

PERKINS: God Hears the Prayers of Just Warriors

When God delivered the children of Israel from bondage in Egypt and defeated Pharaoh’s army, Moses responded with a song, recorded in Exodus 15. He declares, “The Lord is a man of war, the Lord is His name.”

That description is revealing. Scripture repeatedly presents God as one who defends His people, upholds justice, and ultimately triumphs over evil. He is not a distant observer of human conflict, but a righteous judge who acts in history.

And this imagery is not confined to the Old Testament. In Revelation 19, Jesus Himself is depicted as a warrior riding a white horse, bringing judgment against the nations, with a sword proceeding from His mouth. The biblical witness is consistent: God is both Redeemer and Righteous Judge.

War, therefore, is a tragic but real feature of a fallen world. The Bible does not ignore it — it regulates it. From these biblical principles, Augustine of Hippo articulated what would become known as Just War Theory, later refined by Thomas Aquinas. This framework has guided much of Western moral reasoning about war for centuries, recognizing that while war is never ideal, it may at times be necessary to restrain evil and protect the innocent.

Which is why recent comments from Pope Leo XIV in a Palm Sunday homily are both puzzling and concerning. He stated, in part, that Jesus “rejects war” and does not listen to the prayers of those who wage it.

Was the Allied effort in World War II — undertaken to stop Adolf Hitler and the atrocities of the Third Reich — contrary to the will of God? Were the prayers of leaders and soldiers, offered in humility and desperation, somehow rejected?

On June 6, 1944, as American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, Franklin D. Roosevelt led the nation in prayer. He asked God’s blessing on those risking their lives to defeat tyranny and secure freedom. It was not a prayer for conquest — it was a prayer for justice, for deliverance, and for peace.

Likewise, during the brutal winter of the Battle of the Bulge, George Patton called for prayer. Facing impossible conditions, he urged his troops to seek God’s intervention. Two hundred and fifty thousand copies of that prayer were distributed to the soldiers of the Third Army.

And when the weather broke and the tide of battle turned, Patton famously remarked to his chaplain, “Well, Padre, our prayers worked.”

And thank God they did.

Scripture gives us confidence in this very truth. As the Apostle John writes in 1 John 5, if we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us — and if He hears us, we have what we have asked of Him.

That is the key: according to His will.

Not every war is just. Not every cause is righteous. But when those entrusted with authority act to restrain evil, defend the innocent, and pursue a just peace, they do not stand counter to God, they stand within the very purposes of His justice.

And in those moments, prayer is not rejected — it is heard.

The question is not whether God hears the prayers of those in battle.

The question is whether those who lead — and those who fight — are aligned with the will of the One who is both Prince of Peace and the righteous defender of the innocent.

When they are, they can pray with confidence.

And history suggests — He answers.

AUTHOR

Tony Perkins

Tony Perkins is president of Family Research Council and executive editor of The Washington Stand.

EDITORS NOTE: This Washington Stand column is republished with permission. All rights reserved. ©2026 Family Research Council.


The Washington Stand is Family Research Council’s outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. The Washington Stand is based in Washington, D.C. and is published by FRC, whose mission is to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. We invite you to stand with us by partnering with FRC.

The Essence of Inner Energy: A Path to Universal Spiritual Awakening

In this vast tapestry of human existence, there exists an intangible force that animates our lives — a subtle energy born from our deepest emotions and experiences. This energy, often likened to a vital essence harvested from the spectrum of human feelings, is not merely a fleeting phenomenon reserved for the mystically inclined or those touched by rare epiphanies. Rather, it represents a fundamental aspect of our being, accessible to all through disciplined and intentional practices. Far from being isolated incidents, encounters with this inner vitality can become a consistent reality, fostering profound personal growth and a sense of unity with the cosmos. By understanding its nature and cultivating methods to engage with it, individuals from all walks of life can elevate their consciousness, transforming ordinary existence into a journey of enlightenment.

At its core, this energy emerges from the interplay of our emotional states. Intense feelings, whether born of joy, sorrow, fear, or love, generate a potent force that resonates beyond the physical realm. Historical accounts and philosophical traditions suggest that such energy serves as a bridge between the individual and a greater universal intelligence. It is not extracted against our will but rather flows as a natural byproduct of life’s trials and triumphs, contributing to a collective reservoir of awareness. Negative emotions, like anger or despair, can produce a dense, turbulent form of this energy, often leading to cycles of inner turmoil. In contrast, positive states such as compassion and gratitude yield a lighter, more harmonious vibration, promoting healing and expansion. The key insight is that this process is not random; it is governed by principles that anyone can learn to influence.

Consider the notion that our planet serves as a grand academy for the development of the soul. Here, experiences are not mere happenstances but deliberate opportunities for refinement. Through repeated incarnations — or what some describe as the ongoing evolution of consciousness — this energy accumulates, allowing the essence within us to gather wisdom. It begins in simpler forms of life and progresses to human complexity, where self-awareness enables deliberate participation. This evolutionary path suggests that spiritual insights are not exclusive gifts, but rather attainable milestones. Countless individuals throughout history, from ancient sages to modern seekers, have reported transcendent moments where they perceive this energy directly: a sudden clarity, an outpouring of inner light, or a deep connection to all existence. These are not anomalies but the fruits of persistent effort, demonstrating that with the right approaches, such states can be replicated and sustained.

To harness this energy and reduce the burdens of past unresolved experiences — what might be termed emotional residues — one must adopt practices that purify and elevate the inner self. Begin with rhythmic vocalizations or affirmations, repeated in a focused manner. These can be simple phrases invoking health, peace, or liberation from old patterns, intoned with sincerity before rest or during quiet times. Such repetitions, especially when combined with controlled breathing, help to realign internal frequencies, dissolving blockages and enhancing restorative sleep cycles. Deep, intentional breaths – inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through the mouth — serve as a foundational tool, calming the nervous system and allowing suppressed energies to surface and release.

Physical postures and movements form another pillar. Gentle stretches, held with awareness, combined with steady breathing, strengthen the body’s channels for energy flow. These exercises, performed daily, reduce restlessness and foster a balanced aura, making one less susceptible to disruptive influences. For those seeking deeper introspection, periods of sensory withdrawal are invaluable. This involves retreating from external stimuli — dimming lights, silencing noises, and turning inward — to observe thoughts without judgment. Over time, this practice sharpens mental clarity, enabling the identification and dissolution of limiting beliefs that perpetuate negative cycles.

Ethical living plays a crucial role in this journey. Acts of kindness, performed without expectation of reward, create positive ripples that lighten one’s inner load. Cultivating virtues such as humility, forgiveness, and non-violence shifts the focus from self-centered desires to communal harmony. By living in alignment with universal principles — honoring truth, respecting others, and stewarding the environment — one accumulates uplifting energy, countering the weight of past missteps. Gratitude rituals, like daily reflections on life’s blessings, reframe the mind, transforming potential sources of drain into wellsprings of vitality.

Devotional paths offer yet another avenue, where heartfelt connection to a higher power — through prayer, song, or contemplation — ignites inner fire. This devotion, when genuine, dissolves ego barriers, allowing energy to flow freely. Similarly, paths of action emphasize selfless service: volunteering, creating art, or innovating solutions that benefit society. These endeavors prove one’s positive impact, reinforcing a sense of purpose and accelerating spiritual progress. Intellectual pursuits, such as studying profound texts or engaging in philosophical discourse, provide wisdom that detaches one from material illusions, paving the way for liberation.

Even dedicated periods of self-discipline amplify these efforts. Committing to a structured regimen — abstaining from excesses, maintaining purity in thought and deed — for an extended time, such as several weeks, burns away accumulated residues. Immersing in natural elements, like flowing rivers or sacred sites, symbolizes renewal, washing away old patterns. Solitude, too, is a powerful ally; time alone in reflection fosters aversion to superficial distractions, deepening one’s quest for truth.

Scientific perspectives, while often skeptical, align in subtle ways. Studies on mindfulness and biofeedback show how these practices alter brain waves, enhancing emotional resilience and perceptual acuity. Quantum theories hint at interconnected fields of energy, suggesting our inner states influence broader realities. Thus, what appears metaphysical is grounded in observable phenomena, accessible through empirical self-experimentation.

In essence, attaining heightened states of inner energy is not reserved for the elite or the fortunate. It demands consistency, patience, and an open heart, but the rewards — profound peace, expanded awareness, and freedom from repetitive struggles — are within reach. By integrating these practices into daily life, anyone can transcend ordinary boundaries, contributing to and drawing from the universal essence. This journey affirms our shared potential: a testament that spiritual awakening is a birthright, achievable through deliberate cultivation. As more individuals embark on this path, the collective human experience elevates, fostering a world of greater harmony and insight.

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