Engaging The Weapon of Prayer
Discovering Christ in Ephesians
We saw from our last discussion that the armour of God is Christ from start to finish, and when we put him on, victory is ours.
Then the apostle continues;
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18
Here is a special weapon for attacking the works of the enemy. After admonishing the believers to put on the whole armour of God, he now enjoins them to fight by prayer.
This is a valid method of enforcing our victory over Satan. To call on God rightfully is a genuine proclamation of faith and hope in God.
Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success, giving victory when nothing else would. No matter how complete we may be, no matter how skilled we may be in battle, without prayer we are doomed to fail.
This is why we hear “praying always.” It is not to be intermitted. We are to always be in prayer in every temptation and spiritual conflict. A prayerless Christian is an already defeated Christian.
“Praying always with all prayer.” There are different kinds of prayer and all are to be engaged. Praying in the Holy Spirit builds you up just like a body builder builds up muscles by lifting weights. (1Corinthians 14:4)
Without taking out quality ,and quantity time to pray in tongues ourselves we would be spiritually lame and never refreshed (Isaiah 28:11-12).
No matter how people pray for us, we will never be built up to stand the storms of life except we are built up ourselves.
You don’t develop muscles by visiting a gym house, sending letters to a gym house, or watching someone lift up weight in a gym house, you develop muscles by lifting up weights yourself.
There is a place for someone interceding for us, however, we will never be totally free by people interceding for us if we fail to rise up ourselves to pray always with all kinds of prayers.
Declarations, petitions, commands, supplications, intercessions and diverse kinds of prayers make the devil tremble. The devil is afraid of the meanest saint when he is on his knees.
We are to always be in prayers not just for ourselves but for all saints as he mentions above.
You may ask why?
First, it helps us overcome self. The idol of me, myself and I is overthrown when we, seeing our needs, look beyond to seek the favour of God for others.
Secondly, all saints are our brethren not withstanding their language, colour of skin or name. We all are one nature and blood in Christ Jesus.
Thirdly, all saints have hearts prone to diverse temptations just like we do, they all need the grace of God even as we do.
Fourthly, it is an expression of genuine love and sympathy for the brethren, a demonstration of Christian maturity.
Fifthly, many of our brethren are backslidden, many have become lukewarm, many are sick and weary, afflicted and distressed. The brotherhood needs our supplications.
Sixthly, many of our brethren have been blinded, they are living in error. Many are blind to the truth of the gospel of God’s grace. Many are taught to fight the gospel of their freedom and their spiritual eyes need to be enlightened.
Then we hear the apostle continue;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20
If there are people that need our prayers the most, gospel ministers need it the more. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will definitely be scattered the scripture tells us.
Paul requests prayer here that he might be able to stand in his affliction and to be able to manifest the Spirit more.
This is an example from one of the greatest apostles, if Paul would so need prayers, there is no height in spirituality, or no amount of spiritual graces can make void the collective prayers of the brethren upon a minister.
However, the heart of Paul is to be greatly admired, a genuine lover of the Lord and his work. Instead of requesting prayers to be set free from confinement or bonds, Paul rather prayers for boldness to preach the good news even in bonds and afflictions without fear.
That we may reflect on this, this is a heart poured out unto the Lord. One time he was in prison, and kept on praising the Lord, the jail doors got swung open by the power of God yet he would not escape but just kept on loving God.
Yet in many of our light afflictions we have become bitter toward God. We sing songs about when we get to heaven and when afflictions persist and it looks as though we are going there, we all of a sudden become bitter toward God.
Heaven and earth, which is better? May we learn to be grateful. May we, like the apostle, be true lovers of Jesus through thick and thin.
Conclusion
But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. (To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.) Ephesians 6:21-24
Prayer
May the peace of the Almighty rest upon you all. May his perfect well being be manifest in your spirits, souls, and bodies, your homes and the work of hands.
May you enjoy the love of God, may you walk in the love of God. From God the father of Jesus, may all grace abound upon you and your loved ones.
I declare over you that every where you go may the victory of Christ be made manifest in and through you. May all your steps be ordered by the Spirit of the Lord.
You are blessed in Jesus precious name Amen.
If you have enjoyed this series Discovering Christ in Ephesians, please write to us, relate to us how this teachings have blessed you so we would know how to serve you better, email: livinghillchristianchurch@gmail.com
Blessings in Christ,
Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church