TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. (Ephesians 6:18a ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• In Acts 1:13, the original 11 disciples gathered and in Acts 1:14, we read, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” I love that the Bible demonstrates how the early church, from the very beginning, was founded on corporate prayer. Praying together. Praying for wisdom. Praying for one another.
When we flip forward to James, we find another reminder to pray together and for one another. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” This is hands down one of my very, very favorite verses in the Bible (I have a lot of favorites, but this one is in the Top 3). I claim this often in my own prayers… Not because I am righteous, but because of the blood of Jesus! His blood makes us clean and righteous and therefore, we can be confident in bold, powerful prayers! Doesn’t that give you such tremendous hope??
Finally, Ephesians 6:18 says, “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…” The saints aren’t a football team and they aren’t the dead. We are saints — you and me! Revelation 14:12 says, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a saint. We are called to pray for other saints.
With those strong examples in front of us, it’s clear that the Bible calls us to be Prayer Warriors. And if the verses I chose haven’t convinced you, let me remind you that the Ephesians verse comes from the passage about the Armor of God. And who wears armor?? Warriors!!
This is a battle we’re in, Friends! The war is real! But it’s not just about a virus or physical enemy. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “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.” There is a spiritual battle going on and we have to make a commitment to ourselves, our families, our friends, our church, and even to the Holy Spirit to be diligent prayer warriors! We can’t be afraid to speak up and offer prayer! Nor can we be afraid to speak up and ASK for prayer! Specifics don’t matter! God knows the details but if you have a need, give your brothers and sisters in Christ the honor and privilege of praying for you!
And with that said, SIDENOTE—I’m asking my prayer warrior friends to say a prayer for my son today at 2 PM! God knows what this is about and the need for this prayer to be answered! So please, join me at 2 PM to pray for my son. Thank you, in advance!
The world needs our prayers. Of all the ways we can help and support one another, lifting up our needs to God is the most amazing way we can support and encourage each other. Pray for the people we know, but also those we don’t know—the sick, the medical professionals, the government leaders, the essential workers who are helping us during the pandemic, the unemployed and small business owners… everyone needs prayers (even those who don’t want prayers need prayers—they don’t have to know you’re praying for them!) And when this virus is over and life resumes some degree of normalcy, we keep praying!
Today, as you pray, thank God for hearing our prayers! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be a mighty prayer warrior! Ask Him to guide you and equip you to pray unceasing prayers! And again, I ask for your prayers today at 2 PM.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
