The armor of God must be completely applied to the soldier. This will result in our being effective in prayer. Paul educates us in Ephesians 6:18-20; “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, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”. Prayer is to be our lifestyle. “All prayers” refers to all sorts of prayers. This includes thanksgiving prayers, confession prayers, edifying prayers, praise prayers, intercession prayers, prayers of hunger and thirst for spiritual knowledge, prayers of strategic effectiveness, prevailing prayers that win the battles, evangelistic prayers wherein people receive salvation, “at all times” refers to rising from bed and spending time praying. It means that as we go throughout the day we are to remember to be praying and staying in the attitude of prayer. We must have prayers that include meditation on His Word and also spend time with other believers in prayer. We pray when we are alone, and we also must make time to pray with the church family when the church meets and we all pray together! (soon we will be able to do this again!!) Praying “in the Spirit”, is simply being full of the Holy Spirit’s direction and leading. When you find yourself not “full”, unable to sense His direction and leading in your life and in your prayers, then just ask Him to fill you again and again! The Spirit teaches us how to pray for we do not know what to say until He guides our hearts and minds. This type of prayer makes us alert, vigilant, and perseverant with stamina in the Spirit even while being under duress or pressure in the battle. Paul wanted such prayers to be prayed for him and his work! Let us, also be sure to pray for our spiritual leaders and their work! Pray that they will be able to be bold and effective. Please pray for my wife and I to be powerful servants of God! That we would be holy and obedient, sharing the good news with our neighbors, friends, and the community at large. And remember, we are praying for you! “Father, please make us a mighty team of praying members at Faith Community Church! Raise up many who will devote themselves to prayer! In Jesus Name, Amen.”
