Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-20; Galatians 5:16-17; Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Revelation 8:1-6

In his letter to the church at Ephesus and by extension to us all, Paul emphasizes that our new identity in Christ compels and empowers us to express grace in our daily relationships. He also stresses that this expressing of grace occurs within the ongoing context of continual spiritual battle—a constant struggle between “walking by the spirit” and the temptation “to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16-17).

Christ has made provision for us to suit up with spiritual battle gears like the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoe of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.  

However, no battle can be won without prayer, no matter how well equipped and suited we are.

Prayer is indispensable in spiritual warfare, making every piece of armor effective for continual walk in victory. It connects heaven and earth, where God interacts with His people to accomplish the purposes of His kingdom agenda.

Every piece of the Armor of God that you and I put on and use to defend and attack must be done prayerfully—our most powerful action.

V18: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and

always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 

· Our prayer must be Spirit led. This is a call to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and to pray according to His will, refusing to let our prayers be driven by selfish motives (Romans 8:26-27; James 4:2-3).

· We are called to pray at all times. Pray continually (1 Thes. 5:17). Since the battle goes on continually, the need for prayer is not sometimes but all the time. (Daniel 6:10-11)

o All occasions also signify that we can pray privately, publicly, while standing, seating, kneeling, walking, driving, celebrating, grieving, in all kinds of circumstances. 

· Our prayer is to be marked by variety. The way we come to God in prayer and the types of prayer are not limited.

o ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

o Short and long prayers. Audibly, and inaudibly in our thoughts 

o Through songs, and especially with scriptures

· We are called to persevere in our prayers. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rom. 12:12)

· We are called to pray globally. Our prayers should not be limited to our own personal needs or the needs of the local church but include the global church.

V19-20: “19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the 

mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

· Prayer expresses our total dependence on God.

· Our prayers should always have God’s kingdom as the primary focus. (Matt. 6:10)

“Learning to pray enabled by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Scriptures will inevitably focus our eyes on the gospel and the glory of God and the purpose of the church.”—Alistair Begg

Our prayers do matter more than we think they do: Revelation 8:1-6

· This scene embodies the privilege of prayer, the significance of prayer, and the catalyst of prayer.

· Our Prayers are indispensable, never wasted, never forgotten or dismissed, but are the connections between heaven and earth where God interacts with His people and responds with His actions.

· Prayer is not a copout when there is nothing else, we can do. It is what we engaged in first, what we do last and what we rely on in between.

“No action is more powerful than prayer”—Charles R. Swindoll

Challenge: Each day this week, intentionally spend 15-30 minutes with God including prayer and let that lead to a daily regular practice.