Prayer and the Armor of God

Introduction

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Remember that this entire letter in Ephesians starts with the first chapter that we are blessed with all spiritual blessings, and this chapter we are confronted with the fact that there is a supernatrual spiritual enemy.

One last piece of the armor tonight. Prayer. Our element of the armor.

Luke 18:1 ESV

1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

We have two options ahead of us. We can pray or we can lose heart.

The instruction is all pervasive that prayer must be essential and foundational to the life of the believer. Humans without oxygen is the same as the Christian without prayer.

Preaching the Word: Ephesians—The Mystery of the Body of Christ Armed for Battle (IV) ( Ephesians 6:18-20 )

As he readies himself he adjusts his war belt. His heart pounds under his breastplate so that it almost rings. He scuffs at the earth like a football player with his nail-studded boots, testing his traction. He repeatedly draws his great shield across his body in anticipation of the fiery barrages to come. Reflexively he reaches up and repositions his helmet. He gingerly tests the edge of his blade.

The enemy approaches. A thousand swords ring from their scabbards in dreadful symphony. The warriors stand motionless, breathing heavily. And then the Christian soldier does the most amazing thing — he falls to his knees in deep, profound prayer! To be sure, there will be action. He will rise, and his steel will flash, but all will be done in prayer, for prayer is primary.

Verse 18 gives five aspects of “All-Prayer”

Spirit-Directed Prayer

What is the struggle praying as the Spirit directs?

Romans 8:26–27 ESV

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

First the Holy Spirit tells us what we ought to pray for. Apart from the Holy Spirit’s assistance, our prayers are limited to our own reason and intuition, but with the Holy Spirit’s help they move to a higher level.

Second is that praying is the Spirit provides is the energy of the Holy Spirit for prayer, energizing tired, even infirm bodies, elevating the depressed to pray with power and conviction for God’s work.

Continual Prayer

What is the struggle to pray continually?

prayer is so much more of articulation of words as the posture of the heart.

This is the will of every Christian, not just the super Christians. We can always be looking up whether that is at work, or with your friends at someone’s house.

Varied Prayer

The more we continue to pray, confession, thanksgiving, intercession, adoration, meditation humility before God. Song. j

Persistent Prayer

Why do we struggle with persistence in our prayer life?

Preaching the Word: Ephesians—The Mystery of the Body of Christ Persistent Prayer

Do we pray this way for spiritual work? Are there individuals or ministries or groups for which we persist in prayer? There ought to be. We are in an invisible war, and those who persist in prayer prevail.

Intercessory Prayer

*making supplication for all the saints

Praying for the believers should be high up on my list.

Think of the imagery of what it would look like to see Paul in this moment.

195 lashes.

Paul keeps on challenging us to pray, to pray often, and pray for things that matter.

Preaching the Word: Ephesians—The Mystery of the Body of Christ Intercessory Prayer

Therefore, my simple exhortation is this: Let us take time this very day to rethink our priorities and how prayer fits in. Make some new resolve. Try some new venture with God. Set a time. Set a place. Choose a portion of Scripture to guide you. Don’t be tyrannized by the press of busy days. We all need mid-course corrections. Make this a day of turning to prayer — for the glory of God and for the fullness of your joy.

How do you sometimes pray wrongly?

How do you react to answered prayers? To unanswered prayers?

How do you remind yourself to pray at all time with all kinds of requests?