This is what Paul wrote to the Ephesians in his letter to them:
“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
In these few short verses Paul places a major emphasis on prayer. This is due to the truth that prayer – a conversation with God – is a major part of the relationship a follower of Jesus has with God.
There are many prayers recorded in the Bible for us to study in order to understand what it is to have a conversation with God. I want to focus on the above passage, and the content of Paul’s prayer.
Paul provides several insights into prayer in this passage.
First, we are to pray “in the Spirit”. What might Paul mean by this phrase? The Bible is always the first place we should go to find out what it means. This verse might provide some help: the Amplified Version states John 4:23 as follows: “But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.”
What do we learn about praying in the Spirit? Every true follower of Jesus has a new nature. The old self is gone. We have the new heart God has promised. Yes, we still sin, but the person following Jesus looks at sin differently because of being indwelled by God’s sinless Spirit. The true follower of Jesus increasingly recognizes sin and wants to repent. We no longer want to live in the darkness, because we are now in the light of Christ.
Therefore, our prayers, our communication with God comes from a heart that is touched by God’s Spirit. There is a connection with God that did not happen prior to being born again, justified, reconciled, redeemed, and regenerated. Prior to Christ, prayers are self-focused, but with Christ, they are God-focused and others focused, centering on God’s eternal matters instead of temporary earthly ones.
When God’s people pray, we also communicate with Him honestly. I often use God’s Words in the Bible to talk with Him. Using the Bible – the Truth – keeps me focused on what matters most.
Prayer – communication with God – is one way we worship Him.
Paul continues by indicating that we should be praying “on all occasions”.
Here are additional verses to support when we should be praying:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”. Romans 12:12
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Additionally, God wants us to talk with Him about everything! Isn’t that wonderful!! We have God, all-knowing, all-powerful, eternal, and so much more, and He wants to talk with us! Paul understood this about God, and that comes through in the above verses from Ephesians: “with all kinds of prayers and requests”.
Next week we will continue looking at Paul’s words to the Ephesians.
But God wants us to incorporate what we are learning into our lives right now.
Are you a true follower of Jesus? If not, what is holding you back from making a commitment to Him? Is there something you believe He has done that you don’t like? Perhaps God has been misrepresented to you?
I would be glad to listen to your concerns. You can reach me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com.
If you are a true follower of Jesus, are you connecting with God in Spirit and truth? If not, why might that be a problem? If so, praise God!!
Living for Jesus, Donna
P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!
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Copyright 2024 Donna Shappy All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.