Many churches these days are starting to use banners as part of their worship.  This short text is to help explain the history and the reasons for using banners.

Banners in themselves have no power. However, because of their significance in Scripture and what they symbolize, God 'inhabits the praises of His people' and brings in His Kingdom when the children of God take them up in faith.

Looking at Scripture
The first mention of the word 'banner' is in Exodus 17 when the battle against the Amalekites was won as Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms on the hilltop. 
"Moses built an altar to the Lord and called it 'The Lord is my banner '. He said 'For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord. The Lord will be at war against the Amalekitesfrom generation to generation" (Exodus 17:15,16).

Later, in the wilderness, the Lord gave Moses and Aaron instructions to arrange the camp ".... round the Tent of Meeting each man under his standard with the banners of his family." (Numbers 2:2).
Each tribe had its banner and each triad of tribes had its standard. Clans and families were identified, within the tribes, by their banners. When they camped or marched out to war, each person knew where to stand.

Jewish tradition suggests that the tribal banners corresponded in colour to the 12 stones in the breastplate of the High Priest (Exodus 28:15-21) and that the standard of the triad led by Judah had the figure of a lion, that of Reuben, the figure of a man, that of Ephraim, the figure of an ox and that of Dan the figure of an eagle. These themes are repeated in Ezekiel 1:10 and Revelation 4:7. 

Psalm 20:5 says "We will shout for joy when you are victorious, and will lift up our banners in the name of the Lord." 

Psalm 60:4, 5 says "But for those who fear you, you have raised up a banner, to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered." 

Song of Songs 2:4 "And his banner over me is love." 

Isaiah contains many references to the Lord 'raising a banner for the nations'
(e.g. 5:26; 11: 12; 49:22; 62:10).

Isaiah 31:9 declares "Their stronghold will fall because of terror; at the sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic." 

Jeremiah 50:2 proclaiming victory over Babylon "Announce and proclaim among the nations, lift up a banner and proclaim it, keep nothing back, but say 'Babylon will be captured"

When a battle was won, a ribbon was attached to the banner. The sight of ribboned banners approaching set the enemies to flight. Hence the song 'Terrible as an army with banners'. 

What we have learned using banners In worship
For the banner user there is often a release of energetic, heartfelt worship and warring praise. People who have felt restricted in other forms of worship (song, dance etc.) have found a liberty with banners. Sometimes it has led into freedom in other areas of worship and spiritual life. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
(2 Corinthians 3: 17).

There are as many different ways of using banners as there are people; we have seen people blessed just holding them., or waving them slightly (even from a wheelchair). Many folk have surprised themselves by moving about more freely than they imagined they could. Others see reflected in the movement of the banner fabric itself, the physical expression of praise and worship otherwise 'locked up' in their souls.

Psalm 103:1 "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all my inmost being praise his holy name." 

Luke 1:46 "And Mary said 'My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." 

A prophecy was given by a friend of ours: ''In these days', God says, 'people will pick up banners and I myself will teach them how to use them." We have seen this happen time and time again, with every possible sort of child or adult! There is a wonderful anointing on banners.

In meetings
The presence of banners often enhances worship for people not using them, too. People have testified to that sense of the heavens opening as the banners flew, and have drawn closer to God. We find all sorts of people come to us after the meetings to talk about banners, hold them, excited about what God is doing.

In warfare
Just as the enemies of the people of God in Scripture fled when the banners were raised so we find God pushing back the powers of darkness as we use banners. God may specifically anoint people and banners in warring praise and intercession. Hearing the banner cracked down during the song 'We will break dividing walls', for instance, is tremendously powerful. [See also the section on Prayer for healing and deliverance].

Negative reactions to banners 
There are many ways of worshipping, and banners may 'simply do nothing' for some worshippers. Concerns over safety and feelings that banners are distracting rather than helpful need to be met sensitively. Banner users must remember that they are subject to authority , and be careful where they are using banners. Large poles and expanses of flying fabric are frankly inappropriate in some crowded meetings!

We also need to gently 'supervise' any people taking up the banner for the first time, to help them use it safely. It is advisable for adults to oversee children using banners, without inhibiting their enthusiasm or the anointing that so often falls upon them as they use their banner. 

Identity and unity 
The Israelites knew where they belonged because of the banners. It is beautiful to see banners used in procession and formation as the people of God march into the land; March for Jesus use them, and also churches have used them in local carnivals as a witness, and statement to the ruling principalities!

Prayer for healing and deliverance 
God alone taught us this bit, though we are finding others who have learned it too! The Spirit sometimes prompts the use of a particular banner in ministering to groups or individuals, either waving it around / over them or just covering them with it as they 'rest in the Spirit'.

The red banner, the blood of Jesus, we have seen bring healing and deliverance. Sometimes the banner alone speaks louder to the powers of darkness than any spoken prayers.

The silver banner, the Holy Spirit, may be used to bring wholeness and peace.

The gold banner, the glory of God, touching a life may bring them into a deeper awareness of God's presence and greatness.

Our experience is that God directs the use of banners in these instances, quite specifically. The rule seems to be listen and do it, however simplistic is seems. God releases His power as we trust and obey.

Use in drama and mime 
Banners and ribbons can be used imaginatively and powerfully in communication through many different dramatic presentations.

Colours 
In addition to the colours in the High Priest's breastplate, we have a rich heritage from the Anglican Church of colours with significance. Although there are no 'fixed rules' the following symbolic meanings are emerging:                                                                   

RED	the blood - JESUS
GOLD	the glory - the FATHER
SILVER	the HOLY SPIRIT
PURPLE	royalty - the KING OF KINGS
BLUE	heaven, water, prophecy
GREEN	healing
WHITE	purity, holiness, the BRIDE
ORANGE	fire

Emblems 
Emblems can be painted or appliqued to any banner. For instance the Lion, the Eagle or the Sword, a Crown, a dove, the Armour etc., etc. 

Personalized banners 
God may make a particular banner 'yours' -the colour and / or emblem(s) will reflect what you are to God and in His body. For instance - a red banner with a sword on may depict the warrior; a green one with a dove on may depict healing and peace.

Finally
Many worship songs today mention banners e.g.

'We want to see Jesus lifted high, a banner that flies across this land'

'When the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard. 
All the people of the earth will fear His Name'

'Open the gates for the Lord and lift the banners high. 
Make straight the way for the King and raise the victory cry'

These help encapsulate the reason why banners are important in today's church and in today's world.

We pray that we have been able to glorify God and encourage you with the banners He has given us and this account of them. 

This text has been used with the permission of the publishers
The Ark. Watford