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
The final word on prayer in Ephesians 6:18 is “supplication for all the saints.” Praying for God’s people is a privilege that each of us possesses. Are you looking for a ministry? Do you desire to serve the Lord, but have yet to discover your calling? Make this your work for the kingdom—pray for the church.
Pray for your pastor and all pastors who are genuinely seeking to serve the Lord. Pray for the gospel of Christ. Pray for those serving the Lord as missionaries. Pray for all of God’s servants who are serving the body of Christ in some way.
Pray also for God’s people who go out daily into the secular world that they would be filled with the Spirit. Pray that they would be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Pray for the sick and suffering among God’s people. You can have a worldwide ministry and never leave your own city limits by making supplication for all the saints.
Power of Prayer
Too many people underestimate the power of prayer. God uses the prayers of ordinary people in their own homes to vitally affect and bless His ministries. A wonderful example of the power of prayer is evidenced in the testimony of Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission.
Some years ago, the record of a wonderful work of grace in connection with one of the stations of the China Inland Mission attracted a good deal of attention. Both the number and spiritual character of the converts had been far greater than at other stations where the consecration of the missionaries had been just as great. This rich harvest of souls remained a mystery until Hudson Taylor, on a visit to England, discovered the secret.
The Secret
At the close of one of his addresses, a gentleman came forward to make his acquaintance. In the conversation that unfolded, Mr. Taylor was surprised at the intimate knowledge the man possessed about that particular mission station. “But how is it,” Mr. Taylor asked, “that you are so conversant with the conditions of that work?” “Oh!” he replied, “The missionary there and I are old college mates: for years we have regularly corresponded; he has sent me names of inquirers and converts and these I have daily taken to God in prayer.” At last the secret was found—a praying man, praying definitely, praying daily.
Prayer is the great spiritual exercise that makes one “fit for the fight.”