“ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION!”

 Ephesians 6:10-20                                   (ESV)

[10] Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of HIS might. [11] Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to stand against THE SCHEMES OF THE DEVIL. [12] For WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. [13] Therefore take up the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [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.”

Far too often I think that I am ready to take on hell with a garden hose, but Scripture is prepared for my over zealous and uneducated mind!  We cannot know and understand the magnitude of the enemy, for he is a master of deception and his foundation is lies (John 8:43-47) rather than TRUTH!  

Defining SUPPLICATION can mean “Petition; earnest or humble request”.  But I thought that is what PRAYER was, petitioning GOD to get something from HIM.  Maybe I need to look at PRAYER through a different prism, seeking what GOD means rather than what I understand?  Sure, we all supposedly know that GOD CREATED EVERYTHING (Colossians 1:16), but do we live our lives exhibiting the testimony that HE IS ABLE to do whatever it is that HE CHOOSES, or whatever it is that fulfills I pour desires?  JESUS, our CREATOR, PRAYED in Luke 22:42 “Nevertheless, not MY will, but YOURS, be done.”

SUPPLICATION, on the other hand, “although it is a noun, supplication comes from the Latin verb supplicare, which means "to plead humbly."  One commentary defines SUPPLICATION “We can define supplication as a form of a prayer, a call for help from GOD. The term bears a spirit of reverence and devotion with it, a solemn prayer to a higher power.”  When we leave our selfish wants and desires behind we are able to SEE things in a HEAVENLY manner, without our personal influence.  TO PLEAD HUMBLY tells me that I am to empty myself of what “I want” for the PLAN that JESUS CHRIST has for me.  

AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT is how we should approach the THRONE OF GOD, not just before we sit down to eat, and not just before we go to bed!  Unless we submit ourselves to HIS WILL, we are not PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT!  We are called to seek HIM with “ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION” in order to be used for HIS GLORY!  FATHER IN HEAVEN, cause me to surrender to YOUR PLAN and to come before YOUR THRONE in “ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION”!!!