Follow the Map

There are various practices, such as spiritual mapping, which attempt to identify the demonic forces in particular areas and to pray against them. I have mixed feelings on this. Now I am totally in favor of concentrated and specific prayer and think it is a good thing whatever form it takes (Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 4:6,7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). But this practice is based on the vaguest passing mentions in Scripture (Daniel 10:13). It also can easily become a gimmick to try to shortcut the often difficult process of actually reaching out to and praying for our neighbors. And it seems questionable to me that the Christian church has had to wait nearly 2000 years to finally figure out the right way to evangelize. Therefore, while I would encourage prayer, we should avoid letting any practice become a gimmick.