Prayers for nations

I have written before about Gordon Dalbey and his self-admitted naivete in challenging the huge demonic strongholds over Los Angeles. On pp. 201-202 of "No Small Snakes: A Journey Into Spiritual Warfare," Dalbey shares how he felt called to pray for nations, but was understandably gun-shy because of his experience praying against the demons of Los Angeles:

...I recalled the teachings on territorial spirits by Australian John Dawson, which I had received in the pastors' group. I thought also of my guitar and tape deck, stolen after I had rushed to pray against territorial spirits over Los Angeles. Instinctively, I hesitated. Was I rashly exposing myself again to further counterattack and destruction in my life? Yes, I was fasting and expected greater power to overcome the enemy -- but could such prayer for entire nations be overstretching proper caution?

I realized that the most compelling argument for my staying open and continuing to pray this way was simply that I had not sought this ministry of warfare, nor had I in any sense set out with a prayer agenda for England. In the past, I had, for example, focused on Los Angeles out of my own impetus. Now, however, the thrust seemed to be coming from outside of myself. Okay, Lord, I prayed, if You're calling me in this moment to pray for particular nations, lead on -- but I will not pray any further unless You show me.

I sat quietly waiting. Moments later, an outline map of Australia came to mind. I waited longer, and the map remained. All right, Lord, if this is from You, show me the spirits over Australia You want me to pray against. Once again, names of demonic activity came to mind, and I yielded and prayed. Within a half hour, I was led to pray as well for Japan, Nigeria, and Russia. (Later, between 1995 and 2008, I ministered in England on nine visits and in Australia on four.)

Listen to the Lord for guidance in your prayers.