“PRAYING AT ALL TIMES!”

Ephesians 6:16-20                                                  (ESV)

“16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which YOU CAN EXTINGUISH ALL THE FLAMING DARTS of the evil one;

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD of GOD,

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,

19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Preparing for battle is something that I have physically experienced.  Never had I had to prepare myself, not only to be physically ready for individual combat, but certainly I have never experienced mentally preparing to actually take another human’s life!  

SPIRITUALLY preparing to do battle should be considered with equal seriousness.   However, I am afraid that we don’t recognize the enemy (“the evil one”) as our true opposer, the one we “wrestle” (Ephesians 6:12) against.  We can be used by our Heavenly FATHER, or we can be used by our enemy.  Being used by the enemy will generally make our lives comfortable and non-confrontational.  Being used by our Heavenly FATHER will more than likely cause us trials and tribulations.  This world and the enemy are fighting for the same thing, to prevent ALMIGHTY GOD from receiving Glory!  

When we are “PRAYING AT ALL TIMES” we are not intended to come before GOD unless we realize who we are, and mostly WHO HE is!  Isaiah 2:11-17 says that the “haughtiness” of man WILL BE brought low, and the “LORD ALONE” will be “exalted” in that day!  When we prepare for Spiritual battle, we have to realize that our war has already been won by JESUS.  We must know who we are IN HIM, and that HE is already victorious!  

Why, then, was Paul writing this letter to the church at Ephesus from prison if the war had already been won?  It is GOD’s Plan to have a great many who CHOOSE to praise HIS NAME for eternity.  Until the last CHOSEN person enters the family of GOD, we will continue seeing the enemy act as though he still has a chance.   “PRAYING AT ALL TIMES” protects us, strengthens us, unites us, elevates us, and draws us closer to HIS likeness of, a place where we should desire to be!  When we are “PRAYING AT ALL TIMES” IN THE SPIRIT, we too can celebrate from prison as we serve HIM!!!