Standing together in prayer

As we close Ephesians, we close with the same drum we’ve been beating for the last 4 chapters: unity.

Paul has been talking about the spiritual war we are in, and after talking about the armor of God we are to put on, he told the Ephesians,

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 saints.

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.

Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Here he reminds the Ephesians that on top of all the spiritual armor we are to wear, we are to remember where our strength comes from. It comes not from ourselves, but from God.

And so he tells us that we are to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

What does it mean to pray in the Spirit: To me, it means to let the Spirit lead you as you pray. To ask him, “How should I pray today?”

Too often, we just talk about what we want to talk about. And because of that, we miss out on what God wants to talk about.

So be led by the Spirit in your prayers. Let his prayers be your prayers.

And do it on all occasions, whether good or bad.

Pray using all kinds of prayers: Prayers of thanksgiving; Prayers of worship; Prayers of confession; And prayers for our needs.

But whatever we pray, we are to stand together in prayer. Again, we are not called to fight this battle alone. We are to be one with the other believers in this spiritual war. And so we are to pray for each other and with each other.

We are to especially stand in prayer with those in the front lines preaching the gospel, praying that God would give them the words to speak, and that he would empower them with his Spirit so that people may be changed.

And for those on the front line, remember you are not alone.

As Paul did, seek the prayers of the other believers, and share what’s going on with you. Don’t try to make it on your own. We all need each other.

So wherever you are, let us stand together. And we will find victory.