Ephesians 6:18
“With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints”.
This is the conclusion of this portion of scripture on the spiritual armor. The purpose of the spiritual armor is to stand firm. It says so three times throughout the passage. The world, the flesh and the devil are trying to lead us from God into self indulgence and sin.
Prayer is amongst other things a weapon. With God we have an unending resource. He says, “Please ask, that your joy may be full.” He wants to help, assist, save and bless. Hebrews 7:25 says, “wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost those drawing near to God through Him, always living for to intercede for them.” That’s a comforting phrase, “save to the uttermost”.
We might completely misunderstand the situation, but a simple prayer moves Him to assist. Sometimes it’s praying for wisdom. Other times deliverance. Some times it’s comfort and encouragement while we are discouraged.
It says we are to pray at all times. This means we are to have an open dialogue with God. Not as an obligation, but as a father/child relationship. Walking and talking, sitting and listening. That’s what He wants and that is such a blessing. He cares for us and wants to have that time with us. It’s at all times as we are to “ask”. We need help, advice and guidance.
We are to pray for others. Some times they need help. Other times they don’t know Him and need to. Many are making choices against Him. Our prayers move things. He can illuminate and let them see. An obstruction to block their path to destruction might be what they need.
I used to feel guilty when the topic of prayer came up. I didn’t know God as well. I now know that He doesn’t condemn. I wants us to spend time with Him. I look forward to those times. It’s always a mystery as to how it’ll go.
Like a great person we look forward to seeing. We know it’ll be good. There are those that are so caring that we know we’ll be blessed by them. That’s how God is.
We can pray always, because we know He’s right there; always with us. He loves to be with us and watch us interact. Like a proud parent. But not an arrogant one. But a humble one that loves everyone and gets a kick out of us.
I recall Jesus telling Peter, James and John to pray, lest they fall into temptation. Jesus knew that Peter was about to deny Him. He was trying to get him ready, so he could avoid that. Thus began a very difficult time for Peter. Jesus could think about others when He was about to go through the most difficult of times.
Thank You, Lord for prayer. Thank You that You care about us to be there constantly. Thank You for pray to connect with You and to ask for help. Sometimes for ourselves, sometimes for others.