A Prayer for Strength Against Our Giants
"And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David." - 2 Samuel 21:16
O Lord Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One whose hand forms the stars and whose breath gives life to all that exists, I come before You today with a heart that seeks wisdom and strength in the face of obstacles and adversaries that lie before me. I am reminded of the formidable battle faced by Your servant David in 2 Samuel 21:16, where it is written, "And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David."
In this instance, I see the embodiment of my own giants, the challenges that loom large and impose themselves upon me, seeking to overshadow my walk of faith. Just as Ishbi-benob, a giant of immense power and menace, rose against David, I too have giants in my life that threaten my peace, my health, my relationships, and my purpose. I ask, Lord, that You grant me the same spirit of courage and resilience that David possessed. Amidst the noise of turmoil and fear, help me to remember that You are the God who equips and empowers those who are called by Your name.
Father, many times I have felt the weight of my burdens, much like the heavy spear of Ishbi-benob, trying to penetrate my armor of faith. The weight of despair, anxiety, and doubt can feel as heavy as three hundred shekels of brass digging into my spirit. Yet, I recognize that this battle does not belong to me, for You are the Lord of hosts who fights on my behalf. Teach me to lay my burdens at Your feet and trust in Your ability to deliver me from every threat that looms before me.
As Ishbi-benob was clad with a new sword, I beseech You, O God, to equip me with Your Word—strengthening me with the truth that sustains us and serves as my sword in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). May Your Word cut through the confusion and fear that are bred in the dark crevices of my heart. Let it illuminate my path and arm me with the righteous fervor to confront the giants that threaten my journey. Instill in me the wisdom to wield the sword of the Spirit effectively against the lies that attempt to discourage me and bind my progress.
I seek Your protection, O Lord. Just as You delivered David from the hands of his enemies, I trust that You will shield me from the schemes of the wicked. Cover me with Your precious blood, which grants me victory over every opposition. Surround me with Your angels as mighty warriors, providing them as a buffer against the darts of the enemy that seek to intimidate and harm me.
Help me to maintain my faith and keep my eyes focused on You when the giants of my life seem insurmountable. Remind me that Your presence is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Instead of cowering in fear, teach me to stand firm, knowing that the battle is not mine to fight alone. Let my heart echo David's resolve— that in the face of overwhelming odds, I shall not be afraid, for You are with me.
I also pray for those around me who may be struggling against their own Ishbi-benobs, Lord. Fill them with courage, impart strength to their fainting hearts, and remind them of Your unfailing love. Help us to uplift one another, as we face our battles together, encouraging each other to keep our gaze on You, our Savior and Redeemer.
As I conclude this prayer, I place my challenges, my fears, and my giants at Your doorstep, trusting that You will bring victory in Your perfect timing. Let me testify of Your goodness and mercy in my life, and may my heart ever be inclined to praise You amidst the storms. In Jesus' Holy Name, I pray, Amen.
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2 Samuel 21:16 - "And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David."
"And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David." - 2 Samuel 21:16
1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."
2 Samuel 16:21 - "And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong."
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 samuel 23:8-21
2 Samuel 5:16 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet."
Luke 2:16 - 21
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 8:16 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;"
"And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet." - 2 Samuel 5:16
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 16:16 - "And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king."
1 Samuel 16:2 - "And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 16:12 - "It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
2 Chronicles 21:16 - "¶ Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:"
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."
2 Samuel 12:16 - "David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth."
2 Samuel 21:7 - "But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul."
2 Samuel 22:16 - "And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils."