Prayer Plus Mask: Thanks For The Cloaking Device!

What am I talking about? Am I comparing a simple piece of cloth to something out of an old Star Trek episode? What does an old Romulan or Klingon cloaking device has to do with intercessory prayer? It’s more than you may think. I would like to invite you to listen to the embedded podcast and continue reading.

If you do not know, the cloaking device is a fictional device used in the original Star Trek television series. The Romulans would use this device to hide their battleships from the Federations. Here’s the fun and relevant part. It did not just hide the enemy battleships. The Romulans could also attack their enemies; even if they’re cloaked.

Today, we have planes that can do similar things in the real world. The device simply hides what the individual is doing. The cloaking device made for some very creative battle strategies and entertaining stories. What does this cloaking device has to do with intercessory prayers?

For one, there is a very real battle occurring in the heavenly places and Christians are in the thick of it! Have you not read what Paul wrote to the Ephesians? In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes:

¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12 [KJV]

As Christians, we are not helpless. For we have been given a divine set of armor capable of protecting us. Yes, we’ll experience bruises though we may experience hardship. With the armor, We’re also given two powerful set of weapons that can aid us, in this spiritual warfare. The first is the Sword of the Spirit; the Word of God. The second one is simply prayer.

Here’s what Paul says in Ephesians 6:18:

¹⁸ With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints, 

Ephesians 6:18 [NASB]

If you read the following statement then you’ll quickly learn that even the apostle Paul asked for prayer. Truth is, we all need prayers and no one is meant to be an island. Did you notice that Paul says that we are to pray, at all time? It’s not limited to our private prayer closet. It can easily happen inside Walmart or some other place.

We are all called to intercede for the people in our various sphere of influence and you do not have to be a Bible scholar. A short simple prayer asking Jesus for help in whatever situation you’re in. Of course, it does help to know what is acceptable to God, the Father. Hence, it is a good idea to spend time with Jesus, in both private prayers and reading Scriptures.

In Romans 12:2, Paul says we are to be renewed in our mind; so that we’d know the Father’s will and partner with Jesus through prayer. Here’s what Romans 12:2 says:

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 [NKJV]

The more time you spend in prayer and reading God’s Word; the better you’ll be able to pray into a given situation. It will not be perfect; however, you will grow in confidence through an intimate relationship with God, through Jesus. Now, let’s get to the part about the mask and the cloaking device.

I am one for praying in the Spirit through the gift of tongue and find it easy to pray in a very quiet voice. For you, it may not be the case. You may prefer to pray in your native tongue, English, Spanish or some other language. It may also be intimidating to pray for someone in Walmart or some other public places.

Here’s where the mask proves to be an unexpected blessing; especially for the timid souls who would like to have boldness in prayer. When the pandemic hit the world stage, everyone was being told “Wear a mask!” I honestly felt like it was a little overkill; however, I had no problem in wearing one when warranted.

At the same time, I do not like how a simple piece of cloth is being used to muffled the sound of our voices. I am speaking specifically of the insanity happening at certain churches; especially in the area of singing worship songs and public prayer gatherings. Somehow, this simple mask has produced a chilling effect for many Christians.

In Paul’s final letter to Timothy gives this encouraging piece of advice and this young man had plenty to be worried about. Here’s what Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:7

⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 [NKJV]

Be of good courage and do not let a simple mask keep you from praying for the people, around you. Did you also read the part about a sound mind? It means that you are able to think clearly and strategically. You do not have to be intimidated by what others may think. One does not take a cloaked battleship into battle and not think strategically.

One of the common complaints that I’ve heard about the mask is the muffling of one’s voice. Yes, the mask can make it hard to be understood. If I speak in a quiet voice, it would be difficult to hear what I’m saying. By the same token, you would not know I am saying anything. For all you know, I could be saying nothing or speaking Spanish.

The mask literally hides what I am saying from prying eyes. Isn’t that what the Romulan cloaking device did? It hid the battleship? If I recall, The Federation were able to get one and it came in handy. However, it is not the weapon that makes the soldier; rather it is the other way around.

Be bold! Be courageous! Use the mask as an opportunity to stealthily pray for the people in Walmart or any other public gathering places. They can’t see what you’re doing or hear you praying. Unless you say something, they would not have a clue. Gee, thanks for the cloaking device!!

Ask the Holy Spirit about who to pray for and ask for insights into what to pray for. You would be shocked at what you don’t know. Let God’s Spirit direct you and pray in either your native tongue or use the gift of tongue.

Yes, we are to be open to the leading of the Spirit. At the same time, we are able to come boldly before the throne of grace and ask Jesus. Here’s what Hebrew 4:14-16 says:

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 [NKJV]

Because of the blood of Jesus, we can come before the throne of grace and ask for not just ourselves; we can ask on behalf of other people. According to Scriptures, we do have the authority to do so. For one, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20 the following:

²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

2: Corinthians 5:20 [NKJB]

Yes, Paul is talking about reconciling men and women to God through Jesus. It’s not the only thing the Bible says about our authority. Here’s what Matthew 10:1 says and I’ll follow it up with two more verses.

 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

Matthew 10:1 [NKJV]

This is not the only verse. Because Jesus does say the following in Mark 16:17-18. Even if you’re not a believer in supernatural healings and there are Christians who do have such a view; the following should encourage you to pray, anyway.

¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Mark 16:17-18 [NKJV]

On a final note, here is a challenge that is given to modern believers. Through Jesus, we are going to do greater work than Jesus did on Earth. If our faith is in God, Almighty then it is possible; even if I don’t have a clue on the “How”. Here’s John 14:12

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

John 14:12 [NKJV]

Are you not glad that you have that cloaking device called a mask? They can’t see that you’re praying for them. There is no reason to be afraid to pray boldly. For the quiet type, this news should be a powerful piece of encouragement. –