Horse Gate (Nehemiah 3:28) 

This gate represents spiritual warfare and victory. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). We will stand our ground with truth, righteousness, and peace. We will defend against the enemy’s attacks with our faith (Ephesians 6:16). We will advance against the enemy by speaking the Word of God and applying it to every situation (Ephesians 6:14-17). We will advance the Kingdom of God into every mountain of influence by staying alert and by praying in the Spirit at all times with perseverance and intercession for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).  Ephesians 6:12-18 (MSG) 12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 13 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. 14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. We fight from victory, not for victory. We, believers in Christ, are victorious already because Jesus won an extraordinary triumph over sin, death, evil, poverty, illness, demonic powers, and so much more on the cross and through His resurrection. These are just a few verses to declare over ourselves individually, our families, our church, and the Body of Christ as a whole. 

• 1 Corinthians 15:57 (HCSB) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 
• Psalms 108:13 (HCSB) With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes. 
• John 16:33 (MSG) I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." 
• Romans 8:37 (HCSB) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

 We must understand that spending time in His presence and His Word are our best defenses against the enemy. We want to be a people who: 

• Pray for a deeper intimacy with the Lord. 
• Pray for a desire to spend time devoted to worshiping the Lord every day. 
• Pray for a continuous hunger for His Word. 
• Pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

 One of satan’s strategies is to destroy us through intimidation and isolation. On the contrary, God’s purpose is to be in a relationship with Him and others. Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (HCSB) 

• Pray that we as a body will be intentional about doing life in community. 
• Pray for all the different groups here at The Crossing and the leaders. (Sisterhood groups, Life groups, Iron Men groups, ReEngage groups, Student groups, Young Adults groups, & Grief groups) 

• Pray that we will recognize when we are becoming isolated and have the strength and desire to come out of isolation. 

We must be faithful and persistent in praying for each other. We learn that part of spiritual warfare includes interceding for one another. 

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalms 122). 
• Pray for Pastor Greg, Pastor Tamara, and their family. 
• Pray for The Crossing staff and elders. 

• Pray for our servant leaders and our entire congregation. 
• Pray for the Church of Tampa Bay and the entire global Church (Romans 8:18, 2 Chronicles 7:14) 

Almighty God, wake up Your Church to stand firm in this moment! Help us to remember that through Your authority and in Your power, we can take our stand against the Devil’s attempts to do damage. We have Your strength and Your Spirit! Give us great courage to stand together in unity as communities, families, and churches. May we be recognized as Your loving children, adorned in Your holiness. May we function as salt and light in order to be Your hands and feet in this hour!