The Army that Sends War Demons Fleeing

"And as we by our prayers vanquish all demons who stir up war, and lead to the violation of oaths, and disturb the peace, we in this way are much more helpful to the kings than those who go into the field to fight for them. And we do take our part in public affairs, when along with righteous prayers we join self-denying exercises and meditations, which teach us to despise pleasures, and not to be led away by them. And none fight better for the king than we do. We do not indeed fight under him, although he require it; but we fight on his behalf, forming a special army — an army of piety — by offering our prayers to God." - – Origen, Against Celsus, Book 8, Chapter 73 [Celus, a pagan, had written a critique of Christians]

"The main hospital in al-Qaim was reportedly attacked during the fighting, according to local doctors. US forces say they believed insurgents were hiding inside. Eight people were reported to have been killed inside the building by the hospital's deputy director.

"The hospital was the main place for us to receive our patients and now we have set up mobile medical posts between houses to treat injured civilians that have been increasing since the fighting started. We don't have any medical supplies, as the ones we had were in the hospital," Mustafa al-Alousi, deputy director of the hospital, told IRIN" - "People flee al-Qaim as fighting continues", IRIN, May 12, 2005.

Who will join the Holy Spirit's army of prayer? Let us join with Father John Dear and pray for those who murder patients in hospitals, ripping terrorists from their IVs, while the corporate media chimes its lazy, unthinking hymns. Let us first vanquish the devil that lives beneath our skin. If anyone wonders where this urge to kill comes from, consider our own fierce love of comfort and the hatred that flares whenever anyone makes finger signs at it. Are we honest enough to admit that we love our lives in this world? That we trust in the power of this country more than the power of God? Where is the one who can set us free from this power?