In my Transformation series, we have been covering the Armor of God. Paul ends his description of the heavenly tools the Lord provides for us with an admonition to pray.
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints
Ephesians 6:18 NASB 1995
One of the most beautiful and unselfish things we can do for another is to give the gift of prayer. It costs no money, does not require physical abilities, and can be fit into anyone’s schedule. It does take effort and dedication and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit, so when we know someone is praying for us, it causes our hearts to swell with gratitude.
Pity the person who has no one to pray for them! Or better yet, add them to your prayer list.
When Should We Pray?
Paul says to pray “at all times,” which makes me think of this scripture:
Pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB
Of course, this doesn’t mean we are to be on our knees or prostrate on our faces 24/7; but to be in an attitude of prayer and ready to pray whenever a need comes to our minds and hearts.
Who do we pray for?
Scripture says to pray for all the saints – that doesn’t mean we only pray for the Christians who have it all together. The word “saint” just means a person who has accepted the Lord as their Savior, a follower of Jesus Christ. We are to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, even that church family member who might get on our last nerve.
What kind of praying should we do?
Looking at several translations of verse Ephesians 6:18, it seems clear that all types of prayers: praises, petitions, supplications and intercessions are needed. Wouldn’t it be awesome to know someone is praising God for the gift you are to the world? Or that another is praying protection for you? Maybe there is a person asking God to grant a request for you.
Also, we should pray with all the different postures of prayer: sitting prayers, kneeling prayers, walking prayers, group prayers, personal prayer.
Pray in any location, church, school, work, as we drive a car, or ride in a bus; and especially, pray in the secret place. (More about that later!)
Just pray and don’t give up
The last point I want to make is Paul told us to pray with all perseverance. When things look grim, we keep praying. When things are looking good, we keep praising. Especially, if it seems like nothing is happening, we keep trusting and lift our brothers and sisters up to the Lord.
Keep giving the gift of prayer.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the 15th day of my Transformation: Becoming an Effective Prayer Warrior series. For 28 days, we are examining truths about spiritual warfare, corporate prayer and praying in agreement and learning to apply them to our lives.
I don’t pretend to know all the answers. I’m going to be thinking with my fingers, so to speak, as I process what is in my heart about these topics after reading the word and praying for discernment.
You can go here to see each post I will be making on this topic.
Today’s question for your consideration: When is the hardest time to pray?
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