The is another ritual created by Gail for women who find themselves in difficult situations. It is not intended to be just read, but to be implemented. 

The Battle is on the Spiritual Plane

Gail Cawley Showalter

            I’ve learned that when a recurring issue persists in my life I may be grappling with a war that has nothing to do with obvious physical problems on planet earth. It may be a spiritual battle. If you are reading this and you are not a Christian consider that life lessons can come to you from outside yourself.

Questions I take into consideration:

1. Have I dealt with a problem like this in the past?
2. If so, what are the similarities?
3. How did I handle it?
4. Was the problem resolved?
5. Did I pray it through?
6. Did I sense a spiritual solution, but not follow through?

Ask yourself if you recognize a learning experience in the battle.

On our spiritual journey we may find ourselves repeating a route we’ve traveled before. We may have missed a lesson in it and be given another chance to pass the course.

A spiritual battle doesn’t have to be monumental. It may be as simple as avoiding being pulled into gossip or as complex as overcoming an addiction.

This ritual can be applied to your personal circumstances whatever they are.

* * *

You will need a match, candle, a journal dedicated to this process, a pen, and a Bible. A photo of person involved to hold your focus (optional). Instrumental music helps to set a reverent mood.

1. Sit at a table.
2. Light the candle. Think of the flame as a purifier.

“Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.” 1Peter 1:6-7 (Msg.)

3. Open your Bible to Ephesians 6:10.

4. Ask God to protect you as you enter this place of combat. Say this prayer:

“I ask for protection and discernment in this place. Let only the still small voice of wisdom direct me. Allow me to see the light that guides me in the way I should go.”

5. Read aloud Ephesians 6:10-17. Here it is, though you may prefer to read it from your own Bible:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV)

6. “Belt of truth.” Write on paper – “What I know to be true: . . .” and list only what you know is true in your situation. This is not your opinion or hearsay, but the absolute truth.

7. “Breastplate of righteousness.” Write “Righteous” and under it write what you know the Lord would approve of you doing in your situation. Take care to really listen. Do not jump to a conclusion based on what you may have been taught was the right thing to do. Listen to the Spirit for this particular situation. If you are not absolutely clear, don’t write anything.

8. “Gospel of peace.” Write “Peace” and write whatever the spirit brings to mind that you could do to bring peace to your situation. Be mindful of healthy boundaries. Do not do anything just because you ‘ought’ to. Listen the your inner guide.

9. “Shield of faith.” Read aloud “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV) Hebrews 11:1. Say a prayer of praise to the Lord for his trustworthiness. Remind yourself of how he has proven faithful in your past.

10.  “Helmet of salvation.” Give thanks for your salvation.

Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life! And let your promises ring from my tongue; every order you’ve given is right. Put your hand out and steady me since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel. I’m homesick, God, for your salvation; I love it when you show yourself! Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me! I’ll recognize the sound of your voice. Psalm 119: 170-176 (Msg.)

11. “Sword of the Spirit.” Place your hand on the Bible and give thanks for God’s written word.

12. Place your hands on your heart and give thanks for words God speaks to you.

13. Write words of spiritual instruction as they come.

14. Acknowledge your powerlessness over the situation and acknowledge his power to win this battle for you.