Theme of the Week: Prayer
Bible Verse: 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
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20
We are in a spiritual battle our whole lives. We were born into it and, unless Jesus comes back during our lifetimes, we will die in the midst of it.
Paul lists the pieces of armor that we must put on if we are to fight this battle well. In reading Ephesians 6, it can be easy to think that there are just six pieces of that armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God) and the helmet of salvation.
But if you keep reading the text, there is another weapon that we must also use, a seventh piece of the armor. Paul admonishes the Ephesians to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
We are to pray, a lot.
We are to pray for the needs of those around us.
We are to pray for the witness of the gospel around the world.
We are to pray for courage and boldness.
We are to pray for release for those held captive by their sins.
We are to pray for healing, for forgiveness, for reconciliation.
This week we have been looking at several different kinds of prayers. There are so many more.
The writer of Hebrews says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
And Paul says, “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12)
So, let’s take up the mantle that has been bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. Let us pray. Let us be men of prayer. Let us teach our children to pray. And let us see God’s will be done on earth even as it is in heaven!
For God’s glory, for our joy, and for the hope of the whole world.
Prayer: Lord, You have invited me into conversation with You. A conversation that never needs to end. A conversation that is mutually enjoyable. I want to grow in my conversation with You. I want to spend more time with You, seeking You, knowing You. Thank You for wanting to converse with me. Amen.
Reflection: What does your prayer time look like? Are you spending the time with the Lord that you want? That He wants? Don’t worry about saying the right words; He is much more interested in being with you than in hearing you say everything “correctly”. He loves you and is longing to be in close relationship with you.
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