When I responded to a recent prayer request from a woman in need, I told her that I had "covered" her and her family in prayer. She promptly wrote back to me and asked me to explain what I meant by that term, because she had never heard it before. She suspected that it had something to do with divine protection, and I told her that she was right. Her request was not the only one I've gotten over the years, so I felt impressed by the Lord to share with you what I have learned on this subject.

The Bible contains many verses that talk about different manners of divine protection. And I believe that if we will pray and stand on these promises from God, we can partnership with Him in the protection of our loved ones and ourselves. The Book of Job speaks of a "hedge" of protection conferred by God upon one's person and possessions. Job 1:10 (AMP) says: "Have You not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side?" Therefore, we can ask the Lord on a regular basis to put a hedge of protection around us, our loved ones, and all that belongs to us. In Zechariah 2:5 (NASB), God says that He "will be a wall of fire around her." So I often ask the Lord to be a wall of fire around all those I care about, as well as around myself.

If you are not familiar with Psalm 91 and the many promises of protection throughout it, I encourage you to spend some time feasting on this portion of God's Word. Here, Scripture says that the Lord "will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:4 NIV) I like the way the New Living Translation says, "His faithful promises are your armor and protection." We can ask and expect the Lord to "cover" us with Himself, and we can pray and claim His proven promises for our protection, and that of our loved ones. This psalm goes on to say, "For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11 AMP) Put this verse in prayer form, and experience the power and faithfulness of God for yourself.

In Psalm 5, David says: "Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, so that those who love Your name may exult in You. For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover them with favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11-12 NRSV) Almost daily, I pray, "Lord, spread Your protection over us, and cover us with Your favor like a shield." Don't ever neglect to pray for favor for yourself and your loved ones on a regular basis. Divine favor is a powerful thing. It can make the difference between safety and destruction, success and failure.

If you have children or grandchildren, I encourage you to pray and stand on Isaiah 51:16 (NIV) for them: "I have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand." Here, the Lord reveals that He not only wants to protect us, but He also wants us to devote ourselves to His Word--believing it, studying it, speaking it, and doing it. Living according to God's Word enables us to stay beneath His "umbrella" of protection, safe within His divine boundaries.

Scripture says, "The good man is covered with blessings from head to foot." (Proverbs 10:6 TLB) Cover yourself and your loved ones with promise-filled prayers each day, and experience the blessings of divine protection and provision from the hand of a faithful God!

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to pray a "prayer cover" over myself and all those I care about. Show me how to devote myself to You and Your Word, so that I may be equipped to do this with skill, effectiveness, and persistence. Thank You that as I do my part, You will keep us covered in supernatural favor, safety, and success!