“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”-Ephesians 6:18
There is a battle going on at all times. We can’t see it with our physical eyes, for it’s a war that wages on in the unseen world. It’s a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of this reality: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Because of this hidden fight at hand, God led Paul to encourage the Christians in Ephesus to put on all the armor of God. This armor is available for every Christian. We can read all about it in Ephesians 6:13-17.
Immediately after Paul describes the armor, he goes on to say in Ephesians 6:18, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” As believers, not only are we to put on the armor of God, but we are also wisely instructed to stay prayerful always. We are to talk to God about everything. Prayer is a wonderful gift from God! What power, help, and guidance are available to us directly from God through prayer. That’s why we are spurred on to pray at all times and on every occasion. And, oh how we need help every moment of every day. All of us will go through times when we just don’t know what to do. What Abraham Lincoln said long ago is so spot-on: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwheling conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.”
In humility, may we freely admit, we need God’s help all the time. God can help and so kindly wants to support, like no one else can. Thus, we pray and pray and pray some more. Let’s not forget that our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere are also fighting hard battles. So, in love, let's pray for them. God Almighty hears! He cares. He knows best. He has the answers. He knows the way. Hence, we pray at all times, on every occasion, and with alertness to others’ needs.
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott