Unleashing the Power of Prayer

Maria V. Gallagher explores the incredible insights of Jesse Romero book, Prayer as a Weapon: How to Go on the Spiritual Offensive.

Prayer as a Weapon: How to Go on the Spiritual Offensive

by Jesse Romero
Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

It has been said that the most powerful force on earth and in the heavens is the power of prayer. It can heal, enlighten, course-correct, and soothe. Communication with Christ is a way for us to touch the face of God and to delight in His glory. 

In the new book, Prayer as a Weapon: How to Go on the Spiritual Offensive, author Jesse Romero demonstrates time and again the awesome influence prayer can have in changing the course of history.  

Prayer as a Change Agent 

For instance, Romero points to the 40 Days for Life Campaign as an example of the power of prayer to change hearts and to save lives. In the campaign, men and women pray outside abortion facilities in solidarity with pregnant women and their children.  

As Romero eloquently writes on page 6 of the book: 

We know that the gates of Hell will not prevail against this movement, this offensive tactic taken in defense of vulnerable lives. The gates of falsehood on this front of the culture of death flee in the presence of truth — a presence that is fueled and supplied by the power of prayer that releases a shower of graces — and the gates of sin will melt in the presence of that grace. 

Prayer Requires Humility 

Romero notes that a dedicated prayer life requires humility. The virtue of humility is often misunderstood in our day, which can be considered a time of great pride. The author looks to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux for a succinct definition of humility. The saint said, “It appears to me that humility is the truth.”  

But that begs the question: What is the truth? As Romero points out, the truth “is that we were created to know, love, and serve God in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.” In this context, it makes sense that we should devote ourselves to a life of prayer, so that we can be in constant communication with our Creator. 

Help from the Blessed Mother 

The prayers of a mother, in particular, can be quite powerful. For an example of that, we need only look to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She has been tasked by God with praying with and for her spiritual children as a special mediator between the Lord and ourselves. Indeed, the more we dedicate ourselves to the Blessed Mother, the more prayerful we are likely to become. 

Prayer can be understood as raising our minds and hearts to God. Yet, while it may be simple in concept, it can be quite challenging in reality. So many different distractions can weigh upon us, causing our prayer life to be dry. The important thing is to persevere, even in the midst of obstacles. The Lord will welcome us with open arms whenever we turn to Him in loving prayer. 

Prayer as Protection 

Romero cites numerous instances where prayer has served as a mantle of protection. With so many threats to our body and soul in our world today, prayer is vitally important to help form a shield of protection around us. Our loving God stands ready to assist us, whenever we cry out to heaven for His powerful help. 

The author encourages us to pray with joy, knowing that the Lord will hear us. Prayer as a Weapon serves as an important guidebook for our spiritual journey — a journey which will last a lifetime. It’s a journey we hope will end with us embracing the Father in heaven forevermore.     

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Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva