Alert Circle

June 12, 2025

I watched a news segment regarding an earthquake in Southern California. It was a magnitude of 5.2 and was felt throughout much of Southern California and even parts of Mexico. Thankfully, news anchors stated there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. But area residents did report feeling earthquake jolts and having items from their walls and shelves fall.

That was not the end of the story. It continued to spiral as the reporters turned their attention to the local, San Diego Zoo Safari Park located in Escondido, California. At the start of the earthquake, as the ground began to rumble, zookeepers and onlookers noticed some unusual behavior within the elephant exhibit as the zoo cameras also captured the moment.

Acting on instinct and sensing danger, the older elephants ran and gathered together, creating a barricade around the calves to protect their young. The adult elephants all faced outward in a circle with the calves behind them in the middle. These elephants were positioned to protect their young and were staying on the lookout, watching for what may be approaching.

This instinctive behavior is known as an Alert Circle. Experts describe it as a survival strategy, which is common even in the wild when elephants sense danger. When the elephants believe the danger is no longer imminent, they will disburse and go on as usual.

It was a beautiful sight where the older animals came together to protect the young calves—who can often be the most vulnerable and weakest. Watching the video captured on the zoo cameras and seeing how quick the elephants responded was incredible. They were on a mission to protect their young.

If you are a parent, or if you have been in situations in the past where you have seen that a young child is in physical danger, you understand how quickly your instincts kick in to help as best as possible. It is incredible that God has wired us to carefully protect our young with such passion and intensity.

As I watched this video of the elephants quickly circle around the internet and across my feed a time or two, I began to think about my life and how I have jumped into survival-mode a time or two with my own children.

It took me a bit, but I came to the realization, my children needed me to be present and protect them throughout their infancy and childhood, but even more than that—they need God’s protection and covering far more than even mine.

I took many opportunities to pray over my children. I encircled them in prayer. I even brought in Prayer Alert Circles at times when I knew I needed additional prayer warriors praying too. I prayed over my children in their coming and going, when they were home, when they were gone, when they were sleeping and many times in between.

Not only would I pray for them, I prayed Scriptures over them. I boldly declared Scriptures over them on repeat—even Jericho Marching circles around their rooms and cars.

Some of the greatest gifts we can give our young children and the next generation are our prayers. Have you prayed Bible Scriptures over your children, grandchildren, stepchildren, youth at your church, children in your neighborhood or those within your family circle? It’s never too late to start, and you can never pray too often!

Below are a few Scriptures you may want to consider as you pray blessings and protection over the younger generation!

Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (ESV).

2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (ESV).

Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (ESV).

Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from Me, declares the Lord” (ESV).

Psalm 144:12-15, “May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace; may our granaries be full, providing all kinds of produce; may our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields; may our cattle be heavy with young, suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets! Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord” (ESV)!

1 Kings 4:29, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore. . .” (ESV).

Luke 2:52, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (ESV).

Remember, the Word of God tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober-minded and watchful because our adversary, the devil, is prowling like a roaring lion seeking someone he may devour. Keep praying!

Elephants are known for being smart and are amongst the most intelligent animals on this planet. Take note! They run quickly to protect their young.

Are you ready? Is your Prayer Alert Circle in place? Gather a team of people around you to pray with you for the children in your life and the next generation! Don’t delay. There is an adversary prowling like a roaring lion.

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