If we want to grow in our prayer life, we must have a good definition and understanding of prayer. Simply put, prayer is communicating with God. God speaks with us often through the Bible and the Holy Spirit, who guides us and convicts us of sin in our lives. The question is, will we respond to God as He communicates to us? After all, communication is a two-way street. A relationship cannot experience much growth when only one person is communicating. This is why prayer is so vital. If we want to have a thriving, growing relationship with Him, we must communicate and talk with Him. He has made every effort to communicate with us through His Word, and we must decide if we are going to respond to Him by communicating through prayer.
In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul encourages followers of Christ to pray. In chapter 6, he writes, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (verse 18). The call to pray “at all times and on every occasion” confirms that there is never a time when prayer is not appropriate. God delights in our prayers to Him. He will never tire of hearing from us. Not only is a follower of Christ called to pray at all times, but we are also called to pray during every occasion. This means that prayer is appropriate in every circumstance. There is nothing off-limits when it comes to what we can pray about. Just like we share the things on our minds with our friends, we can share these things with God when we pray. As it has been said, “If it matters to you, it matters to Him.” Just like we share the things we are excited, concerned, nervous, or happy about with the important people in our lives, we can also share these things with Him.
Maybe you need the reminder that we can pray in any and every situation and at any time. God wants to hear from you. He cares about you and the things you care about, and He will always want to hear from you. Choose today to communicate with Him.
Commit today to follow Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 6:18 and pray “at all times and at every occasion.” What is on your mind today? Make a list of the top three things you are thinking about. Choose at least three times today to set aside a few minutes to pray for each of these things. As you pray, be encouraged. God cares, and He wants to hear from you!
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
