The Warrior’s Resource
April 26, 2020
Commentary
Prayer is the power and energy that enables Christians to face life’s spiritual battles. We can never fight in our own strength, no matter how confident we feel. Many stronger people have fallen because they tried to stand alone. Paul shows us how to pray in order to defeat Satan and stay strong in the Lord (vv. 18–20).
First, pray always. A believer should never say, “Lord, we come into Your presence,” because we never left His presence. God is always near, and we are called to live in a constant attitude of prayer.
Second, pray with all kinds of prayer. Our prayers should include praise, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession. It is selfish to only ask for things for ourselves.
Third, pray in the Spirit. It does not say for the Spirit but in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us pray according to God’s will and strengthens our hearts when we do not know what to say.
Fourth, watch and pray—stay alert to spiritual danger.
Fifth, keep on praying. Perseverance means to faithfully not give up. Many people quit praying just before God sends the answer.
Finally, pray for all the saints. As members of God’s family, we must re-member to lift up other believers in prayer. If Paul, a great apostle, needed prayer support, how much more do we?
Paul closes this letter, reminding the Ephesians he is sending Tychicus to share news about his situation and to encourage their hearts (vv. 21–22). He ends with a blessing of “peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Prayer keeps us connected to the pow-er, love, and unity of God’s family.
Application
Do I treat prayer as my daily source of strength or only in case of emergency? Today I will stay alert, pray continually, and depend on the Holy Spirit’s help. Who around me needs my prayers for protection or special encouragement? Will I lift them up, trusting God to give peace, love, and unity through prayer?
Ephesians 6:18–24 (NET)
18 With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints. 19 Pray for me also, that I may be given the right words when I begin to speak —that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.
21 Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you too may know about my circumstances, how I am doing. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
God’s Answering Machine
What if God had an answering machine? Imagine praying and hearing this: “Thank you for calling My Father’s House. Please select one of the following four options:
Press 1 for requests.Press 2 for thanksgiving.Press 3 for complaint … Continue