Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayer for all Christians everywhere. Ephesians 6:18
Watch and pray - this is a directive found repeatedly in both the Old and New testaments. Jerusalem and other ancient cities had regular watchmen who were stationed on the city walls night and day to be on the lookout for danger. A watchman held a responsible office requiring much vigilance and fidelity. The word watchman in the Hebrew root word means, "to hedge about (as with thorns); to guard, generally to protect and observe from a distance." The modern counterpart to the Old Testament watchman is the intercessor.
Paul directs the Ephesians to pray always and to pray "in the spirit." Prayer in the spirit is prayer that is directed, energized, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Praying in the Spirit: 1. will be according to God's will (1Jn. 5:14,15), 2. will glorify the Father through the Son (Jn.14:13), 3. is based upon God's character, ways and word (Jn. 15:7), 4. comes from a clean heart (James 5:16), 5. is prayed in full assurance of faith (James 1:6), 6. is asked in Jesus' name (Jn. 14:14). The conflict we are in today is a very real one in the spiritual realm. Praise God that He has provided us with the sufficient equipment to be victorious in battle!
The focus of all spiritual warfare is ultimately the opening of doors so that the ministry of salvation may be advanced (pray for me (Paul) that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel...Eph. 6:19). May we enter the battlefields of the world today through continuous prayer in the Spirit. May we be the mighty warriors, who through prayer, will hasten the day when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to pray in the Spirit. Then be prepared to listen and to watch throughout your day. |
