Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION

Last week, we learnt that the Sword of the Spirit is God’s Word and it is the only offensive weapon listed. We also learnt that it is a defensive weapon and that we needed to be skilful in handling it and therefore require training. By considering the Sword of the Spirit last week, we looked at the last of the believer’s armour –but not the last of the weapons! Today we shall be considering the last weapon - Prayer and the place it holds in the life of a believer.

Ephesians 6:18-20

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” 

1. EFFECTIVE PRAYERS – Vs. 18

1. Should be done always (Praying always)

Always and at all times on every occasion and in every season. There are different categories of people when it comes to prayers. There are those who do not pray at all, there those who used to pray bit not anymore, there are those who pray only in distress and there are those who pray always. This verse of scripture admonishes that a man should pray as often as he has an opportunity

2. Should encompass all prayer and supplication (all prayer and supplication)

This prayer includes all types of prayers (with specific requests), mental and vocal, public and private; and every branch of it, against all kinds of evil, petitions for good things, and thanksgiving for mercies.

3. Should Be in the Spirit (in the Spirit)

In the Spirit (notice the capital S in Spirit) this implies that such prayers should be under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. Romans 8:26 (NIV)

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

It also implies that we pray with fervency (with our hearts, souls, and spirits engaged in it); it implies praying with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy!

James 5: 16b says:

“. . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

4. Should Go with Watching (and watching thereunto)
   Stay alert! Be sensitive to the Spirit when you pray. In Matt. 26:41, Jesus admonished His disciples to watch and pray. Here also, Paul is asking that in prayers we keep watch too!

We should keep watch

1. Either to the Word of God, as a direction for prayer,
2. To prayer itself; for opportunities to pray for the assistance of the Spirit in prayer, for an answer of it, and to return thanks for blessings when bestowed;
3. Against all dependence on the blessing and Satan's temptations.

5. Should Be With All Perseverance (with all perseverance)
   With determination, with persistence even when the enemy is throwing fiery darts of doubt at us! Stay on! Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17)

6. Should Not be Selfish (And Supplication For All Saints)
   Prayers should not be a “selfish” exercise. We must learn to pray for other Christians too. Pray for people of every nation, age, sex, and condition, in all places, etc. The Saints are constantly under attack from the forces of darkness and therefore should be upheld in prayers.

2. NON RELIGIOUS PRAYERS – Vs. 19-20

1. Requires Humility (And for Me)

This shows the great humility of the apostle, and the sense he had of the greatness of the work of the ministry; and that it is the duty of people to pray for their ministers; and that no man is perfect in this life; and that even leaders (especially leaders) need the prayers of their members. Paul made this request in humility and modesty; and from a sincere heart, because all leaders need a fresh supply of gifts and grace for the work and service of Christ:

2. Must be Specific – Free from Ambiguity  

1. That Utterance May Be Given unto Me

He was specific of the prayers he needed! Not like what we hear people “religiously” say: “Please pray for me” – “For what?” or "we are praying for you" – “About what?”

Here Paul specifically asked that utterance be given to him.

2. That I May Open My Mouth Boldly

Now the apostle desired he might have something to say, to object to, and to reprove and convince the unbelieving Jews; that he might do this with boldness, with all faithfulness with Courage, and with freedom of speech; or "openly" and "publicly".

3. To Make Known, The Mystery of the Gospel

The apostle's work was to make known the mysteries of the Gospel, to prove the truth of them from the word of God, and to defend them against the opposers of them; and that he might be able to do this he entreats the prayers of the saints.

4. That therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak

Apostle Paul has not left anyone unsure of what to pray for him about. Being an Ambassador of the Gospel, he needed to be able to represent the Kingdom and the Gospel boldly so he asks the saints to pray that he might speak of it boldly and freely.

CONCLUSION

When we engage prayers in spiritual warfare as we should; with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy we put the enemy to flight! We are so privileged that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit of the Lord helps us to pray! When we are humble, sincere, and precise in prayers, we achieve a lot. When we are alert and sensitive in the place of prayer, the results are even better!