Ephesians Devotionals
Bob Morris
Pray, Pray, Pray (Ephesians 6:18-20)
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. 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, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
When should we pray? On all occasions.
How should we pray? In the Spirit, with all kinds of prayers and requests.
For whom should we pray? For all God’s people.
When should we stop? Never. Keep on praying. Paul is implying that it is always the right time and the right reason to pray.
There are many pitfalls in prayer, but none larger than not praying enough. Jesus told the story of the widow who pummeled an unjust judge until in exasperation with her tenacity, he gave her justice (Luke 18: 1-8). Luke tells us that Jesus told this parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Paul told the Thessalonians, “Pray continually” (1 Thess. 5: 17).
Clearly, prayer is seen by Paul and Jesus, not just as some formal, structured activity but as a God-mindedness that permeates all of life. Nehemiah, in the time between being asked a question by King Artaxerxes and giving his answer, “prayed to the God of heaven” (Neh. 2: 4). That prayer burst exemplifies praying continually.
Prayer encompasses the heartfelt sigh, the wrenching plea, and the simple cry “Help!” as well as the well-worn prayers of ancient liturgy and corporate saying of the Lord’s Prayer. My favourite poster shows a cartoon character on the top of a mountain saying, “The closer I get to Jesus, the less I have to shout.” Unceasing prayer implies keeping company with God and acknowledging his presence 24/7, not just screaming to him when we are in trouble.
But there are also times when we should focus our prayers on specific people for specific reasons on specific occasions. Paul is bold to ask for personal prayer. He seemed concerned that in the midst of preaching he might pull back from fearlessly proclaiming the gospel. He knew that the words were not his own but that he had to be given them by God, if they were to amount to anything. So he asks his brothers and sisters to pray for him. By praying for one another we enter the fellowship that encompasses the body of Christ and the Triune God.
Loving Father, you who hear all our prayers, teach us to pray - continually.
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