Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
Next we are to pray in the Spirit. This means to be led by the Spirit in prayer. The way to assure we are praying in the Spirit is to ask the Spirit’s assistance as we go to prayer. There’s nothing quite as wonderful or thrilling as being empowered by the Holy Spirit in prayer. The heart is impassioned. The mind is clear. Every thought is ordered. Praise, petitions, and intercession flow freely, and one can literally pray for hours, and yet feel that only a few moments have passed. Seek to pray in the Spirit. Spend time asking the Lord to lead before you begin your prayer time. You will find this kind of prayer to be a great adventure and a great faith builder.
Burden of Prayer
Oswald Sanders, former director of the China Inland Mission, said in regards to Spirit-led prayer, “The very fact that God lays a burden of prayer on our hearts and keeps us praying is evidence that He purposes to grant the answer.”
When asked if he really believed that the two men for whom he had prayed for more than fifty years would be converted, George Müeller replied, “Do you think that God would have kept me praying all these years if He did not intend to save them?” This is Spirit-led prayer.
Watchful in Prayer
After praying always and praying in the Spirit, Paul’s next exhortation is to be watchful in prayer. Be alert. Be on your guard. Pay attention and be ready always to do battle in prayer. Is the Lord moving? Pray! Is the enemy attacking? Pray! Has a fellow soldier fallen? Pray! Set a vigil! Get a prayer partner! Pray! Pray! Pray!
We will continue our look at Ephesians 6:18 next time.