“3 I said to them, ‘The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, make them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.’ NIV

We have seen previously that there was wisdom in getting people to build near their homes. Equally, how motivated they would be to stand guard near their homes.

Fathers, husbands, parents, how seriously do you take the responsibility to stand guard over your home in prayer? We cannot guarantee that we will always be protected from every negative experience. Nevertheless, God’s protection is very real. I believe it is important to pray for protection on our families, homes and lives. This should not be thought of merely in physical terms. Spiritual protection is necessary and important. There are so many threats and dangers to spiritual health. Not least, we are bombarded through media in its many forms, living, as we do, in a hyper-connected world.

Standing guard over your home may be first and foremost a prayer task. But it is not only about prayer. We must do more than pray. There are times when we have to lock the gates, bar the doors, and keep out what should not come in.

PRAYER: Lord, please help us. This is not easy. But with your help all things are possible.