HOW DOES PRAYER FUNCTION IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – AS DEVOTIONAL HABIT OR MINISTRY?
“AND PRAY!” Apostle Paul stressed in his letter to the Christians in and near Ephesus (2:18)! Although Paul’s prayer emphasis in Ephesians 6 is not directly associated with a piece of the Christian’s armor, it is very closely tied to the concept grammatically and conceptually. What is more, any casual reader of Scripture will quickly observe the importance in the Bible. Additionally, any victorious Christian will be ready to testify about how important prayer is both defensively and offensively in the Christian life.
Prayer must be more than simply a devotional habit in the Christian’s life! It must be ministry – both in the life of individual Christians and within the life of the local church. To be sure, prayer nourishes the individual Christ’s life. It deepens my relationship with God, it brings personal perspective, it refreshes, it provides guidance, it lifts my care, and results in God meeting my daily needs. But prayer in the ancient church was more than that. And it must be more than that in our lives today! In Ephesians 6:18-20 Paul pleads for prayer as ministry – prayer “in the Spirit,” prayer on all kinds of occasions, prayer for fellow believers and prayer for key spiritual leaders.” The point seems to be, all kinds of prayer are needed for victory in the Christian life!
Here it is in Apostle Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired words:
“Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all [kinds of] prayer and supplication! To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 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.” (From Ephesians 6:18-20)
All too often in spiritual warfare those who engage the enemy become preoccupied with defense – protecting themselves against the attacks of the enemy – and forget about offense. We must attack enemy strongholds fully armed, in the power of the Holy Spirit with prayer! Why not interview several respected spiritual leaders in your church and community. Ask them what they consider to be the three most significant spiritual strongholds of the enemy in your community, nation and world… AND PRAY!
Coffee With The Lord 