Thursday August 18, 2022

Today is Thursday, August 18 and we are praying through the sixth chapter of Ephesians.

I praise God from whom all blessings flow! Holy Lord God, I have come here to abide in your enduring presence and rest in your precious love.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, I seek you in the sacred stillness of the dawning day. With every breath I am reminded to inhale the goodness of your peace and exhale the concerns that trouble my spirit.

As a new day dawns, I join all God’s people in prayer and cry out with the words of Psalm 5.

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:1-3

Pause and Pray

God gives his children power to stand defensively and protect themselves from the attack of the enemy. There is strength to stand one’s ground and to advance God’s kingdom. Believers are equipped to win the battle. We are provided defensive armor – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. We are also given an offensive weapon, the Bible – the sword of the spirit. Now Paul reminds us of another powerful offensive weapon – prayer. The battle is won on our knees. The prayers of the faithful are forceful and effective.

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. Ephesians 6:18-20

I am called to live a life of constant prayer – for myself and others. If I persevere in prayer and watchfulness I will not fail in the face of temptation and I will fulfill God’s purposes for my life. My stance is a position of standing firm which involves prayer and watchfulness. I am to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. I am to be alert and watchful – always praying for God’s people. My prayers are to be as constant as breathing – communicating with God with every inhale and exhale. This type of praying requires attention and perseverance. As Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him, I also should ask other believers to pray for me.

Ask: How often do I pray to God and what are my requests? Do I ask others to pray for me? Why or why not?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, thank you for the invitation to pray to you in every occasion and circumstance. Thank you that I can bring my requests before you – requests for myself and others. Help me to stay alert and persevere in praying for other Christians. Reveal the needs of others and inspire me to devote myself to intercessory prayer. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

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. Ephesians 6:18-20

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider how Paul’s admonition to pray speaks to me today. No matter how much I am already praying, I can pray more. Perhaps God wants me to recognize requests and petitions that I have not brought to him. Maybe God wants me to be attentive to the needs of others and commit myself to praying for them more frequently. Perhaps God is helping me to realize that I need others to agree with me in prayer on my behalf. How might the Holy Spirit be leading me today to pray for myself? For others?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, teach me to pray! I kneel at the foot of the cross and lift my requests and petitions to you. I believe you hear my prayers and wait expectantly for you to answer me. I will persevere in communicating my needs and the needs of others to you in steadfast faith. Thank you for giving me everything I need to stand firm and hold my ground. Amen.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today I endeavor to extend this morning prayer time throughout my entire day, to pray continually for others and love them in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen