Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air,
​and to the wild beasts of the earth;
that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 1Sa 17:45-46
David-The Image of the Christian Warrior

The conquest of faith in the hour of temptation. There are two things that are notable in the exploits of David: the one was the strength of his confidence—the other, the weapons of his warfare. The one, you know, was God: “I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, whom thou hast defied:” his weapons were the sling and the stone. Not that David was without armor: every soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ has armor on: and so had David; but it was not Saul’s armor, not man’s armor.

​God equips all His believing people for their warfare, as soon as He inclines them into His service: He leads them into His armory. Thus harnessed, David went forth to meet the uncircumcised Philistine. Alas, for the apathy of the day in which we live! Where is the man that will even dare to risk his name, or his reputation, or his interest? Scarcely one will be found willing to hazard his ease or his credit to vindicate the honor of the God who has bought him with His blood. Not so David. He, full of faith, went out, because he heard the name of his God dishonored, and his Israel reproached. “What! against, a giant, and a champion, in arms!”

“No matter; he has blasphemed the name of my God, and in the strength of that God will I go out and meet him, yea, unarmed as I am.” Thus went David forth. So it is when the Christian champion, the soldier of Jesus Christ is tried, and he goes forth to fight; he takes up his sling. By faith he takes a well-directed aim, and by prayer and supplication he slings the fatal bolt, and wounds his enemy in the head. (T. J. Holloway, D. D.)​

In the battle of life good men have to fight a powerful foe. (1) In the battle of life we have to contend with numerous adversaries. (2) In the battle of life we are often hindered by those who ought to help us. (3) In the battle of life we are animated by various feelings. (4) In the battle of life past victories strengthen us for future conflicts.

In the battle of life good men need Divine assistance. David’s dependence on God was right for four reasons. (1) It ensured the right help for the combat. (2) It awakened a right spirit for the combat. (3) It led to a right selection of weapons for the combat. (4) It secured a right issue in the combat.

Three figures stand out sharply defined on that memorable day. First, the Philistine champion. Second, Saul. Third, David. He was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair countenance. No sword was in his hand; he carried a staff, probably his shepherd’s crook. But he was in possession of a mystic spiritual power, which the mere spectator might have guessed, but which he might have found it difficult to define. The living God was a reality to him. At least he had no doubt that the Lord would vindicate His glorious name, and deliver into his hands this uncircumcised Philistine. Let us study the origin and temper of this heroic faith.

It had been born in secret and nursed in solitude. This is the unfailing secret. There is no short cut to the life of faith, which is the all-vital condition of a holy and victorious life. We must have periods of lonely meditation and fellowship with God.

It had been exercised in lonely conflict. What we are in solitude we shall be in public. Do not for a moment suppose, O self-indulgent disciple, that the stimulus of a great occasion will dower thee with a heroism of which thou betrayest no trace in secret hours. The Griefs will only reveal the true quality and temper of the soul.

It stood the test of daily life. There are some who appear to think that the loftiest attainments of the spiritual life are incompatible with the grind of daily toil and the friction of the home. “Emancipate us from these,” they cry, “give us nothing to do, except to nurse our souls to noble deeds; deliver us from the obligations of family ties, and we will fight for those poor souls who are engrossed with the cares and ties of the ordinary and commonplace.” We must not forsake the training ground till we have learnt all the lessons God has designed it to teach, and have heard His summons.

It bore meekly misconstruction and rebuke. Eliab had no patience with the words and bearing of his young brother. A marvelous exhibition was given that day in the valley of Elah that those who are gentlest under provocation are strongest in the fight, and that meekness is really an attribute of might.

It withstood the reasonings of the flesh. Saul was very eager for David to adopt his armor, though he dared not don it himself. He was taken with the boy’s ingenuous earnestness, but advised him to adopt the means. “Don’t be rash; don’t expect a miracle to be wrought. By all means trust God, and go; but be wise. We ought to adopt ordinary precautions.” It was a critical hour. But an unseen hand withdrew David from the meshes of temptation. It was not now Saul’s armor and the Lord, but the Lord alone; and he was able, without hesitation, to accost the giant with the words, “The Lord sayeth not with sword and spear.” His faith had been put to the severest tests and was approved. Bring more precious than silver or gold, it had been exposed to the most searching ordeal; but the furnace of trial had shown it to be of heavenly temper. Now let Goliath do his worst; he shall know that there is a God in Israel.
​(F. B. Meyer, B. A.)

In this story of David and Goliath, there's important truths that the serious intercessor can pick up on, and God can open your spirit and mind to help equip you with greater skills in your calling. I've learned some very important lessons from it, that I use consistently. The call to a prayer ministry is every bit as effective, and the dangers are just as real. In what I've learned so far, I'd repeat what's been said to me by a few serious watchmen, and prayer warriors; don't use the things shared here, unless you are willing to sit down and count the cost, and weigh it with prayer. Make sure God's called you to this, and your not just starting out because it sounds like a wonderful idea. If you are not truly called to a life of serous intercession and a watchman's standing, you can find yourself in dangerous territory, and won't know what to do. Jesus talks about looking at a situation, or a man going into battle unprepared-and not counting the cost; and finding they can't do it. God has people called to all sorts of service, it's best to be sure you know what yours is, before making this commitment.

If you do know the Lord's called you, and desire to learn more, there's several teachings on this site, that can help you, especially in the teachings page-on the subject of prayer and spiritual warfare. 

Now, going back to David facing Goliath, several things stand out, that can be used in the area of warfare prayers:
1. David wasn't intimidated by Goliath's threats, his size, his greater experience in warfare, or his weapons. David knew this giant was a pagan blasphemer, who mocked the true God, and had no fear of this. This shows me:

• a. The devil will use people, and every means to put fear into you, to break you down.
• b. If David had let this blasphemer's threats bring fear into his heart-this could have cost him defeat, and his life.
• c. If an intercessor is given a specific person/situation to pray about, and the details of it-and I allow fear to enter into my heart/spirit, the devil will use it to cripple any targeted prayers from me. I will defeat myself, by allowing fear to have any place in me.
• d. If you are afraid to face the devil and his attacks head-on with the word of God, and with faith, you are wasting your time, and opening the door for much more defeat in other areas of your life. If there's fear in your heart in praying seriously about deeper spiritual matters, the devil has already gained a place in you that will cripple your prayer life.

2. David didn't use Saul's armor, or ask for any assistance from anyone else-his reliance was on God alone, because his faith and conviction was strong enough to hold him and keep him steady. 

• a. The longer you study, pray, and seek God in the calling He's given, the more you will find advice from other's is almost always a diversion, and useless. If God ever uses somebody to speak anything to me-most of the time, the person themselves don't even know they are doing so. There's been times God's spoken a direct confirmation to me of something He's said to me days ago- and word for word, heard it come from someone else's mouth, but they didn't know anything  about what they were doing. But, when somebody wants to give advice to me, and try to get me to do something they believe is a good idea, or try to push me into something, the Lord's spirit within, many times gives me a check, to listen, but quietly refuse and avoid a controversy. 
• b. When God calls you to a service for him, be yourself, don't try to mimic someone else's traits or approach to your work. Find your own rhythm, and seek God daily, and often. Learn to walk with Him through your day, as a friend. Once you've learned and found the sense of His presence throughout your day, you'll never want to lose it. 

3. David's answer to Goliath's threats were direct, full of faith, and conviction; that he would win over the attacks of Goliath, and would bring him to an end. With the five smooth stones for his sling-that's what he did.

• a. David's weapons were simple, but all that was needed to bring down a giant and the threats that came from him. Our weapons are powerful, but many Christians do not know how to use to the  scriptures the same way David used the stones, to kill the giant. It takes time, and a desire to learn the truth of the scriptures, and how to apply them to the target your aiming at-to get the results your praying for. This only comes by time, and experience, and being willing to invest the time in doing so, along with praying and seeking God to give you His directions, and show you how to use the scriptures-and if you really want to learn, He will show up, and He will teach you. Learning to pray with skill and power, doesn't come overnight-it's a lifelong process, and takes being committed. But, like I said, those who will do this, is very rare. 
• b. David dared to take up the challenge and stand up to the giant, because of the blasphemy coming out of Goliath's mouth. David's heart was enraged that this Philistine was attacking God's name, and getting away with it. His cause was righteous, and his faith was enlarged to face this enemy-to the death. If our faith isn't at the same level as David's, to the death, we will not see the results we're praying for. Both God, and the devil know if your for real, or not.
• c. It's clear from the outcome, that when David took his sling and wound it up, then let it go, the prayers he had prayed beforehand gave added power that moved through his arm and targeted the giants head, and David's aim was true. The giant went down, David's victory was won.

4. To see victory and answers to your targeted prayers, you need to come to a level of faith, and conviction that you understand that the God of the Old Testament, and the God of the New Testament are the same God. The Old Testament is full of scripture references that reveal Christ in them. Study Isaiah chapter 53 in the KJV of the bible-it gives a full description of Jesus suffering on the cross, hundreds of years before it happened. The God who met Moses on Mt. Sinai was the same God who spoke when Jesus was transfigured before the three disciples, who witnessed them speaking together (Luke 9:28-36). When you come to this level of faith, your ability to gain the proper use of the scriptures will be of great value to you. When Jesus told his disciples "If you've seen me, you've seen the Father",  and "I are and my Father are one", was a very important truth that he was trying to convey to them.
Joh_10:30  I and my Father are one.

Spiritual warfare prayers, and targeted intercessory prayers are as powerful, as the cost your willing to pay to see the victory. Sometimes, it takes months, and years to see them come to pass. And if your goals in life are to become prosperous, wealthy, well respected, well spoken of, and being among what the world considers important people - you won't have any desire to understand what I'm trying to convey here. The prayers and targeted intercessions God has had me involved with in the 40+ years in His service, none of them have had anything to do with becoming rich, or being among important people, except in the area of praying specific prayers for world leaders, and certain individuals in high places, that will remain anonymous. God does at times, direct me to say something to someone in a public situation, and make a stand, but, I'm cautious, and test what I'm hearing to make sure. I've no desire to speak, unless I know it's necessary. I'm serving God in a realm of prayer, that I could easily destroy, if I don't use wisdom in knowing when to speak, and when to keep my mouth shut. There's some prayer warriors, who have found this out, to their regret. Satan is right there, every moment, looking for just one thing, that he can use to destroy your place in deeper intercessory prayer. I'd advise reading Daniel, and study him-it's worth the time, he's a good example of what I'm saying. 
However, every Christian, whatever they are called to, will find like David did, that life is full of battles; and the book of Psalms are full of David's Psalms, that are full of warrior prayers. Every believer can read, learn, and gain faith and strength and use them in their own prayers-in this battle of life.
Lorna Coullard
Psa_54:5  He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
Psa_109:20  Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
​Pro_24:20  For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
​Psa_2:4  He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
​Psa_37:13  The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
2Ti 4:14  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 
See Also: reward: 1Sa_24:12; 2Sa_3:39; Psa_28:4, Psa_109:5-20; Jer_15:15, Jer_18:19-23; 2Th_1:6; 1Jn_5:16; Rev_6:10, Rev_18:6, Rev_18:20

​He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Prov 18:13

What is this verse describing? Someone who makes judgments, and opinions before they've listened and understood the other person, and he/she has made their statement on the matter. This is an all too common practice today, which causes a great deal of unnecessary misunderstandings, and disputes. Not being willing to listen to the other person and want to understand them, is one of the most rude things that can be done to someone. This verse contains a great deal of wisdom, that will be touched on here, and there's links to other sites, with more on this subject. Now, I'll pose some questions that refer to this verse, and you can ask yourself, how they speak to you in your life.

• 1. When your trying to give an answer to someone, or explain a situation, and you are cut off, and the person talks right over the top of you, how does this make you feel about your relationship to them? 
• 2. If you are interrupted in trying to speak to someone, and they also change the subject entirely, what does that tell you?
• 3. If this is done repeatedly, how does this cause you to feel about your worth to them, and if it's  wise to associate with them?
• 4. When you look around at society today, can you see how this pattern of behavior is a serious problem, that few recognize and address?
• 5. What does it say about society as a whole, and the values people hold?

In my lifetime, observing this when interacting with other's, it's caused me to realize that if the person I'm trying to speak to hasn't the desire or patience to listen to what I'm saying until I've finished a sentence, and continues to interrupt me, there's no basis for any relationship with them. I'm of no value to them, and their behavior shows me they do not care about me as a person. There's no desire from them to reason with me, or want to know me, or understand my heart. There's no point in attempting anything to attempt to build a relationship with them, it is futile, and dangerous.

People who do this, and always have to be on top in a conversation, will also attack you verbally, and abuse you in other various ways. Any relationship with them can be lethal. Any interactions with them, can bring great stress and continuous contention to you in your life, that you don't need, and should avoid. The constant stress can even cause you physical problems over time, if you don't set boundaries, and avoid them.

At this place in my life, stress, and unneeded controversy is something I stay away from at all costs. There's a great many people in the world today, who's aim in life seems to be in constant turmoil, and meddling in other peoples lives, to cause harm. They use their mouths as weapons. In recent years, I've had to ask the Lord to help me, because so much of it has caused me to become defensive and react in retaliation, to defend myself-this is not right, it's not of the Lord. No matter how long you've been walking with the Lord, these things can happen. The devil uses every kind of person and tool, to get you to stumble and fall, it's a constant spiritual battle to keep your heart right with God, but, it's not impossible. We have to choose who we are going to allow in our lives, and who we will trust with matters of our hearts. The problem is, how many people in this world is there, that can be trusted? I'll leave that with you to ponder.

At my age now, in my senior years, the verses of Peter below are what I use to guide me, and keep me on the right path of life, the old paths of righteousness:
1Pe 3:11  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 
1Pe 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 

Now, may the God of peace, love and power be with all who read this, and bring light and wisdom to your life. Below are links that bring more light and understanding on this verse-as food for the soul.
Lorna Couillard
Commentaries on Prov 18:13:
Listen BEFORE You Speak - Proverbs 18:13
https://www.calvarychapeljonesboro.org/proverb-a-day/listen-before-you-speak-proverbs-1813
Hearing Before we Answer: Thoughts on Proverbs 18:13
https://fromthestudy.com/2006/06/12/hearing-before-we-answer-thoughts-on-proverbs-1813/
Commentary from Bible Hub-
https://biblehub.com/commentaries/proverbs/18-13.htm

"Among modern technology's greatest benefits is ease of communication. Yet that ability comes with dangers. It has never been easier for persons lacking experience, information, and discernment to spread their opinions to others on a large scale and without a meaningful requirement to think before broadcasting. Entire media platforms are designed around characteristics such as speed, brevity, and reach. This enables poorly understood, factually challenged, ill-considered statements to be instantly delivered to a large audience.
Such risks have resulted in innumerable people making fools of themselves when hastily made comments prove deeply uninformed. Another regrettable result is modern culture's tendency to form opinions based on bite-sized, context-free headlines, reinforcing the error and causing it to spread.
As a wise judge, Solomon understood the wisdom of hearing both sides of a matter before rendering a judgment. Speaking before hearing is a sign of arrogance and overconfidence (Proverbs 18:12). Vain pride makes a person think he knows what to say without bothering to hear what another person has to say. This proverb, written thousands of years ago, indicates that speaking in ignorance is not a modern problem. It's an ancient problem amplified by modern technology.
Jesus placed a high premium on hearing a matter carefully. He said, "Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away" (Luke 8:18). The apostle James writes in James 1:19: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak." Further, in verse 26 he cautions: "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."   [Online Bible Reference]