“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:18 ESV
At the end of Ephesians 6, Paul tells believers to pray. Prayer is one of our greatest weapons because it is our direct line to God. We don’t have to go through anything or anyone to talk with God.
Prayer is our battle strategy. It reminds us that God fights our battles, and it is through His strength that we are able to stand against Satan’s attacks.
Ephesians 6 tells us how, what, and who to pray for,
At all times, pray
Pray in the Spirit
Pray with all prayer
Keep alert and persevere
Pray for others
At all times, pray
“Pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV. While we can’t always pray at every moment, we can be mindful of our need for God in every aspect of our lives. We don’t have to pray only at certain times. Morning or evening prayers, we can talk with God throughout our day.
Pray in the Spirit
Sometimes, we are at a loss for words; when that happens, we have a helper who knows what we need. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8: 26-27 ESV
Pray with all prayer
There are different parts of prayer: praise, confessions, thanksgiving, supplication and intercession. We are to use all of them when we pray. “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 ESV
Keep alert and persevere
Praying takes work! Many times, Satan can distract us from praying. We have to stay awake and make our request known to God. We also have to stick with our prayers. It might take months or years before a prayer is answered, but we must keep faith that God will answer.
Praying for others
As believers, we are family. We serve that same Father in heaven. “Our Father” is how the Lord’s Prayer begins in Matthew 6:10-13. Therefore, it is important to pray for other believers.
Even Paul asks for prayer at the end of Ephesians 6,
“and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (6:19-20 ESV)
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 NLT
“He has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
I am grateful for the avenue of prayer. This weapon is utilized many times throughout my day.
Such a great lesson. The LORD knew we would need help and yet again HE made a way for HIS children. Time and time again HE proves HIS love for HIS children. Thank you father!