Thursday: Praying Always
Ephesians 6:18 begins with the phrase “praying always,” which suggests that praying is connected with the previous verses.
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The idea is that the putting on, taking up, and receiving of heaven’s armor all necessitate reliance on God. Hence, “prayer is not another weapon; rather, it is the spirit, the manner, in which the whole armor is to be worn and the battle fought. Paul is here urging it as a perpetual state of mind, a continuous attitude of communion with God.” – The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1046.
Study carefully Ephesians 6:18. What words and phrases associated with Paul’s admonition to the Christian regarding prayer suggest alertness and discipline?
The Bible frequently calls on people not to cease from prayer (Luke 18:1, Rom. 12:12, Phil. 4:6, Col. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:17). But in the context of the combat with evil forces that Paul is addressing in Ephesians 6, he stresses the fact that every occasion in life is to be wrapped in prayer. Such an attitude about prayer is no small demand on Christians, especially because our first instinct in moments of difficulty is to consult friends and colleagues, which is fine and has its place. Prayer, though, should always be the first line of defense and is something that we should be “always doing.”
Ephesians 6:18 begins with the phrase “praying always” and continues with another about being “watchful.” About what are we to be watchful, and why?
When Jesus was in Gethsemane, He told Peter and the other disciples whom He found sleeping to watch and pray (Mark 14:38). Before this happened, Jesus had spent some time warning the disciples to watch (Mark 13:33-37). From the perspective of Luke, watching is linked with prayer as a constant affair that brings spiritual strength to the Christian. In Ephesians 6:18 the emphasis is on praying for others. No doubt, as we pray for others, we ourselves are spiritually strengthened, and we ourselves are better armed for the ensuing conflict, no matter what form it takes.
Why is praying for ourselves more important for us spiritually than having others pray for us (however important that is)? What does personal prayer do for you that the prayers of others just can’t?
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How many of us can say with all certainty that our first line of defense in every situation is prayer? I know I need to pray for God to make me automatically seek Him first. For me especially in a threatening situation tend to let the emotions take over and push God down to the 2nd or 3rd option. I am getting better at keeping the Almighty One as priority one. Let's pray for one another that we seek the Lord in every situation first!
God Bless!
Amen brother, as we grow in grace God should become our first priority.
This attitude of prayer is no small demand on Christians because we tend to consult friends and colleagues in times of trouble.
Many Christians believe in the counsel of God but we find ourselves seeking the advice of men because we do equate God to be like man. We read about the might and strength of God but we seek the strength and might of men first and when we are no where near the solution, we turn to God. This is because we see God to be far from us and that before He responds to our request whatever is to happen would have happened.
Today's lesson has made it clear that what will enable us to continue with the armor of God is prayer and persistent prayer gives Christians the opportunity to experience God as a personal friend who is much closer than the earthly colleagues. Upon consistent prayer can a Christian watch to see the enemy's tactics and strategies drafted specifically against us.
We need to always seek the face of God for Him to unveil what is hidden to us. Amen.
It's not always our first reaction to seek God in certain situations as we already know His answer. We turn to "others" hoping to find someone who will "side" with us in whatever decision we need to make.
If we do not have a "pray without ceasing" relationship with God when everything is smooth sailing then it will be difficult to go to Him when it gets rough. The emphasis of today's lesson is to have that constant prayer relationship with God!!
Praying always...that we would be found with the Girdle of Truth, walking uprightly with the Breastplate of Righteousness, as we walk prepared with the Gospel of Peace, that the Shield of Faith would ward off the assailing darts of the adversary, receiving Salvation gifted by the Grace of God, as the searching Sword of the Spirit, the discerner of thoughts and intent..praying always, by faith, that we would receive that which is handed to us, as the rewards of the sacrifice through the Son of God...praying always.
The issue of prayer is very imperative to us as Christians because we are in constant need of that intimate relationship with God. The scriptures which are inspired by the Holy Spirit has made it clear to us that it is expedient for us to pray without ceasing, because should we do this; we would be in danger of not growing in the faith and thus it will be a problem for us to claim the helmet of salvation by faith. The testimony of Jesus tells us that prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend (Steps to Christ: Privilege of Prayer) Therefore we are to acknowledge that without constant prayer we can't be in communion and one accord with our beloved Father in heaven. It then becomes important also for us that we should not pray selfish prayers because God will not take heed. A fevent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, therefore we need to pray for others, the purpose of God then we can pray for ourselves. May God help us to access this God given tool of defense against the devil for His kingdom. Let us pray until something happens...
It is interesting to find Christians with the most powerful comments on Biblical readings ....But ever so often weak at employing the read WORD....
Very good point...faith in action is the command!
I'm learning to trust in God more and lean on him because he cannot fail.
Sometimes when we have problems we don't go to God right away because we may feel that we are bothering God, but in his words he said "the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (Jn. 6:37 NKJV). Casting all your care upon me because I care for you.
A way to keep praying always is to be our brothers keeper. We will pray when we are going through our crucible but when everything is going ok look around, you will see a lot to pray about. Our brothers and sisters that need jobs, or the family that when they are at church they avoid each other, the young couple that is trying to have a baby for years. And the main thing, whatever situation, is to give praises to God in our hearts.
What really stands out to me in this lesson is the idea of prayer being “a continuous attitude of communion with God.” Emotions often impact the way people react to situations. That’s human nature. But being in a continual attitude of communion with God (or at least earnestly attempting to be) allows us to develop an awareness of what we feel. This “emotional awareness,” coupled with God’s guidance, puts us in position to respond to others in more authentic, empathic, and loving ways. Prayer, then, puts us in touch with God and ourselves in ways that enhance our treatment of others, thus making us more fruitful spiritual agents.
I believe we seek our friends first because they are there in front of us, we forget that God sees all and is master of all plans. Although our friends are physically there, they themselves are only able to listen and offer suggestions but God is in the business of resolving. I need to remember to put God first and friends later as he is the only one that provides me with the strength and guidance that I need to fight any battle before me.
I can honestly testify that Praying to God the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit helps in the day to day struggle of life. I have had many, many difficult and trying times in my life with not even a glimpse of hope peaking at my door, and that the whole world is closing in on me and then in a blink of an eye I start to pray. I find that pray elevates me, it build my hope and strengthens my faith in God and his love. My troubles are then solved in some miraculous way. Often at times I ask, God it is really you? Prayer never let us down and by praying constantly is like speaking with God as a friend. I recently got Baptized and find myself more relaxed, peaceful, calm and more understanding of others. I have a tendency of always wanting to help others and give every thing I have.
Example: Last month I have a friend whom I know was facing a difficult time with her family, I did not have lots of money but the little I had instead of spending it on my self or paying my bills, I spend it buying food for her family which made me feel good. The next day I had no money and this is what I said to my self. How stupid can you be, spending all your money and today you have nothing, but I carried on and put that trust in God that he would provide for me and he did. Glory be to God the Almighty, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
I believe I pray everyday, but I don't get down on my knees and plead with the Lord. I have been feeling very depressed lately, and I feel I cannot express myself to anyone, because I'm always the happy one, the one that encourages people. Well, yesterday I was feeling so bad, I went into my living room and fell on my knees, begging the Lord to forgive me, and to save me. I needed to experience something from the Lord, just to let me know that He still loves me, and He wants to see me saved. After getting off my knees, I started reading my Sabbath School lesson, something I have not done in a long while. It was as if the Lord had led me to this weeks lesson. It seemed as if the lesson was especially written for me. I am now more determined to pray more, I mean really PRAY! I'm not back to where I need to be, but I am so encouraged to keep fighting this battle. Satan will not win. Please pray for me.
Yes dear brothers and sisters let us pray always for the prayer put us in direct communion with our Father and it is the best means (communication system) to communicate that the world has never discovered and the less expensive because we have not to put vaucher or a buying credit card before to call as we commonly know our worldly telephone mobils.
I find peace in silent prayer. Let us understand that God answers the general intent of our prayers, may we therefore never despair for God answers prayers, not because of what we are, But because of who He is. Happy Sabbath everyone.
To me watchfulness is important. It is a matter of staying alert and mindful of what is going on around us. Quite often the word is found in conjunction with sleeping such as, "Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thess. 5:6 NKJV) and "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning-- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping" (Mk. 13:35-36 NKJV, see also Rev 3:3).
Jesus warning to us as watchmen on the walls (Eze 3:17-21) is, "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into" (Matt. 24:43 NKJV). The rest of the chapter is also very important to us who are to be royal priests and watchmen in the household of faith (1 Pet 2:9).
Prayers are the solution to our problem, we should watch and pray.
I need your prayers brethren my marriage is undergoing a serious onslaughter from the devil.
My brother in Christ wake up at 5 in the morning and pray while she is sleeping spend time with friends in fasting and prayer because the Lord tells us that some things need the power of prayer and fasting and believe and have faith that God is able to change all situations no matter how dark it may look. Rebuke all negative situations that occur.
Now is the time to pray without ceasing every moment you get. Present the situation to the lord with thanksgiving believe that he has answered your prayer before you see the change in your marriage. God Bless.
Prayer is the only way that forward to defeat the devil....
In 1 Thess 5:17 Paul tells us to pray "without ceasing." That seems to me to mean being constantly in an attitude of prayer, of living in the presence of God. I believe that's how Enoch lived.
In Paul's counsel, prayer is also linked with thanksgiving. I believe that if we spent more time in praise and thanksgiving, we would be much stronger spiritually. As we go through our days, we have many opportunities to be thankful. When we are in an attitude of prayer, we can thank God for waking up on a new morning, for having water to drink and to shower, for food to eat, a roof over our heads, the blue sky, the sunshine, the beauty of a flower, the smile of the person at the chck-out counter, etc. If we maintain such an attitude, our minds will naturally turn to Him when we run into any difficulty.
When we are thus in communion with Christ, we do not sin. I believe that our growth in the Christian life is a growth of spending more and more time being thus connected with Christ. It doesn't happen automatically, and it doesn't happen all at once. It is a growing process.