Fitted for Battle: Unceasing Prayer

“Praying always in all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . .” (Ephesians 6:18).

Prayer: the privilege of communion with our Father; getting to know Him more.

What a glorious way to honor our Lord and hear from Him—pray. Paul writes that we are to pray without ceasing; stay alert, and persistently pray for all believers; pray as we go about our duties throughout the day until we close our eyes in sleep. We can pray anytime, anywhere. Current circumstances may dictate whether our prayers are silent or audible—but pray always. Although praying is not an armor-piece worn, Paul lists it after the pieces we are to “take up”—it is an effective offensive tactic against our adversary, a defensive covering for our well-being, and our communication line with the Father.

Fitted for battle, well-suited in God’s armor, the Lord’s soldier faces unnecessary struggles unless covered with prayer. Seeking God’s strength and overcoming power is key to living as an overcomer. It is God who brings victory over our adversary and in our lives. And Satan detests hearing God’s children praying confidently, expecting to hear from Him, knowing mountains can move when someone prays in faith, believing. As we petition our Father for help through life’s challenges, for healing, wisdom, direction, and others, we enter the spiritual realm where spiritual battles are fought all around us. When we humble ourselves before God, resisting the devil, he will flee (James 4:7).  

 Intercession plays a significant role in the lives of believers. We are to pray for one another: fellow believers, the lost, and sometimes God burdens our heart to pray for someone’s specific need. That person may be floundering, needing direction, or feels hopeless, unloved, and unworthy; that someone God burdened you about may be discouraged and desperately waiting for help—someone like you or me to intervene on their behalf. If a certain “someone” keeps coming to mind, begin praying and continue until God gives you release to stop. Whether we know the results of our interceding, God is at work in that life.

As we bring our prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God and petitions for others and ourselves before the Lord, we must believe He hears us. How can we know? In 1 John 5:14–15, we read that we are confident He hears our prayers when we ask anything in line with His will. That is the key to answered prayer. Entreat the Father and pray for what pleases Him, not what you want. He desires fellowship with you, repentance, and salvation for all humanity (2 Peter 3:9). When the answer comes, rest in His judgment because He knows what’s best.

But sometimes, prayers are blocked. As the words leave our lips, they seem to hit the floor. What hinders our prayers and keeps us from living victoriously? A few culprits are an unforgiving heart, sin not dealt with, and wandering thoughts. Contributors to thoughts that drift are an over-loaded calendar, worry, stress, and posture. Wait a minute, posture? Yes, your posture—not whether you stand, kneel, sit, or lay prostrate before the Lord; with hands raised or at your side; covering your face or your head—but the posture of your heart. Bow your heart in humility before God; you cannot deceive Him.

Soldiers of the Lord, life’s battles are not against one another but the powers and rulers of this world’s darkness and spiritual wickedness (v. 13). God supplies His children with everything needed to live victoriously and charges us to take up and put on His armor that we can withstand the conflicts and temptations that cause us to fall. Having obeyed His command, fully protected, stand firmly and boldly in His power and pray, believing as you share God's message of hope and salvation.