DAY 20
Develop a Lifestyle of Prayer

‘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.’ Ephesians 6:18

Developing a lifestyle of prayer is central to Paul's conclusion of his teaching on spiritual warfare. This is emphasised by the repeated use of the word ‘all’ which, although less apparent in the NIV, is clearer in the ESV: ‘praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.’ Ephesians 6:18 ESV 

Undergirding these four emphases is the call to pray ‘in the Spirit’, highlighting that we continually need the Spirit’s help. So, the question is, ‘How does the Spirit help us?’ While this certainly includes the gift of speaking in tongues, it is not limited to this. The Spirit aids us in praying various kinds of prayers in different ways.

  1. On all occasions: This doesn’t literally mean all the time’, but with the Spirit’s help, we pray in every situation.
  2. With all kinds of prayers and requests: As a foundation, we can pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Then we can pray some of the prayers that Paul modelled for us, such as those outlined in Ephesians 1 and 3. There are many other great Bible prayers such as the ‘Prayer of Jabez’ (see 1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
  3. Alert with all perseverance: This call to constant alertness is a clear reminder that we are to be like watchmen, staying vigilant and determined in prayer, knowing that we are in a real wrestle with the spiritual forces of evil.
  4. For all the Lord’s people: This highlights the importance of being alert and praying continuously for our church family and reinforces the need to cultivate a lifestyle of persistent prayer.

DEVOTIONAL

by Abi Ryan

 

QUOTABLE QUOTE

“Prayer does not equip us for greater works—prayer is the greater work.”

– Oswald Chambers - author and teacher

 

Prayer points

    • Let’s take some time to come before the Lord in prayer. Ask God to reveal what He would like to bring to your focus or attention and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in praying as He leads.
    • Pray and bless our church family to grow and cultivate a lifestyle of prayer. Ask God for creative strategies that will help to develop and sustain this practice.
    • Lift up the Prayer Army in our church family, across all our campuses. Pray for increased capacity, perseverance, and alertness, that they may effectively intercede for every situation. If you would also like to join the Prayer Army, you can do so here.

DON't FORGET TO PRAY FOR YOUR VIPS!

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