“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:18.

The bible teaches us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Our spiritual armor is held together with prayer that is constant and intense…it is only through faithful and sincere prayer, that we receive the strength to run this race with patience, comfort, and peace.

The scripture in Ephesians 6:18 gives us three conditions in offering effectual prayer:

1. Praying always – constant and unceasing prayer in all circumstances, in doing so we receive the divine help from our constant companion, the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all understanding, Prayer is our intimate communication with God, the power of the Holy Spirit is able to brings us closer, keep us sober-minded and leads us in the truth. I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.”

2. In the Spirit. As spiritual men and women, we must walk in the Spirit of the Lord by allowing Him to take control of our thoughts and actions. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31. When we constantly seek the filling of the Holy Spirit, He will empower us to remain faithful, steadfast, and focused on the divine will of God.

3. For all saints. Our petitions are not just for ourselves, but should be for all people, especially praying for the brethren… our prayer lives must be unselfish and strategic. The Apostle Paul gives us a great example as we note his prayer for the Colossians: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” Colossians 1:9.

Prayer serves as heavy artillery in spiritual warfare. It is imperative that we continue in prayer for spiritual growth, discernment, and strength, not only for ourselves, but for all of God’s beloved children; and above all, we must pray for the lost. God is longsuffering and desires that all men have the right to eternal life. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

My friends, stay on guard… remember that in warfare it is to the enemy’s advantage if he strips his opponent of his weapons; when left vulnerable and defenseless, attack and annihilation appears certain, Satan seeks every way possible to keep us from the most personal and soul-searching act to God that we possess… PRAYER!

But we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord…so, let us be prayer warriors that remain steadfast, and vigilant before the throne of grace; there we can receive God’s loving protection, mercy, and strength for the battle ahead. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7.

God blessings of strength and peace keep us all!