“I am praying for you” is something we say often to someone when they are going through a difficult time. It is also something we hear during a difficult time. Friends and loved ones promise to pray for us during struggles and difficulties. We hear promises for prayer and offer promises to pray so often that we forget what a privilege prayer is. You see, the fact that we get to come before the God of the universe and pray for the people around us and be prayed for by loved ones is a gift from God.
The apostle Paul exhorted followers of Christ to pray in Ephesians 6. In this chapter, he exhorted readers to pray as they fought the spiritual battles that they faced. He wrote, “Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion” (verse 18). He very clearly wanted readers to know that every moment presents an opportunity, whether we are happy, sad, worried, or concerned. We can pray “at all times” and “on every occasion.” Then, he continued, “stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (verse 18). His call to prayer carries a sense of urgency. We must stay alert and persistent in our prayers because the enemy’s schemes and tactics against us are real. His call to prayer also serves as a reminder to pray for others. In fact, we are called to pray for “all believers everywhere.” This prayer makes it clear that we are to pray for every believer. There is no believer excluded from this call to pray.
What about you? Have you made prayer a habit in your life? Are you praying at all times? Are you praying for all of the believers in your life? My friend, we must pray for each other. Satan and His tactics against us are real. When we pray, we are fighting for each other against the enemy and his schemes. May we commit to a lifetime of prayer for each other.
Take time now to pray. Turn to God now and pray for the people in your life. Pray specifically for situations that your loved ones are walking through. Ask God to work in their lives and bring peace. Do you need prayer? Reach out to someone today and ask for prayer. Ask them to pray specifically in the areas of your life where you need His help, presence, and peace. Prayer is powerful, friend, so let’s commit to praying for the people in our lives and asking for them to pray for us.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 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. 20 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.
21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.
23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness.
