Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, August 14, 2022 Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying in the Spirit

Introduction: Being prepared to fight a war requires not only weapons but also supplies. This is true of spiritual battle, too: we need food and supplies to keep up our energy. Prayer is our spiritual supply line, whereby God provides our daily needs. It is our refreshment, our communion with our God.

All true prayer is in the Spirit because it is through Christ by the Spirit that we have access to God. Praying in the Spirit also means praying with the knowledge and insight the Spirit provides through His Word, and with submission to it.

1. How to Pray: In All the Ways Prescribed. (6: 18)

   ...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints...

   Four statements in this verse use the word “all” to tell us practically how to pray:

   • Pray continually – at all times! Because the battle is constant. Put loving communion with God

     into all your routines.

   • Pray comprehensively – with all kinds of prayers! One way to be complete in our prayer is to

     follow the acronym ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. Relationship requires regular communication and expressions of love. Real prayer is relational, both speaking and listening to our Lord through His Word.

   • Pray persistently – keep alert with all perseverance! Always be looking for things to pray about – that is being alert.

   • Pray lovingly – for all the saints! We all need prayer because we are all in the war. Pray for the young Christian, for the businessman, for widows, for singles, for the sick and hurting, for the persecuted, for teachers, for the elderly, for the wealthy, for the poor. We need each other and we need to be praying for each other.

     Father, please help us pray in all our routines, communicating with You in all kinds of ways, always persevering, and interceding for all our brothers and sisters!

2. What to Pray: For Communicating the Gospel! (6:19-20)

   ...and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

   Paul asks for prayer for himself, for:

   • Clarity – to have the right words.

   • Courage – to proclaim the gospel boldly.

     Paul, a prisoner, prayed for help in his mission, in his kingdom service. Let’s make Paul’s passion our passion: pray that we can be clear and bold in proclaiming Christ.

     Father, please open the door for us to speak for You, and open our mouths to speak with clarity and courage.

     Conclusion: Spending time in prayer is so, so important. Praying helps us “keep our first love” for God. If you feel as if you have lost your first love, go to Him in prayer. He’ll be like the father of the prodigal son, running to meet you and bring you back home.