“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.6.10-18.NLT
Paul brings us to the end of this guidance on how to stand strong in the unseen battle, encouraging us to be vigilant in prayer for one another.
Reflection
There are many ways we can effectively support each other as we faithfully follow Christ in a world that struggles with evil and sin. Friendship, presence, money, opportunities, gifts, and acts of kindness are all important.
In the context of the unseen battle, Paul prioritizes prayer for each other as the thing we should be alert and persistent about.
I have grown in leaning into this priority by praying for people as we are having conversations about their needs and issues. It’s a simple discipline summed up in two words: Pray Now!
There is no power in the intent to pray. The power is in prayer. It is a spiritual connection with God and those we are praying with and for. While this is not the only way we support each other, it is, by far, the most powerful thing we can faithfully do for others.
Prayer in the name of Jesus drives evil away. With God’s authority and the Holy Spirit's presence with us, we can push back evil on behalf of others. Where we don’t have the skill to heal, we can pray for God’s healing. Where we don’t have the level of provision to meet the immediate need, we can pray for God’s unlimited abundance to meet the need.
Encouragement
Support each other in the unseen battle today by praying for the people God brings your way.
Your prayers connect people with God.
Pray now. Pray often. Always pray.
By the way, Paul ended by asking for prayer: “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19-20 NLT.
I am thankful for the prayer box in the Beagle Memorial Prayer Chapel at Warm Beach Camp with the humble sign above it that reads “May we pray for you?” People leave prayer requests year-round, as they want to be prayed for, just as Paul did.
Please drop me a note, email, or text if there are ways I can be praying for you.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the guidance to support each other with alertness and persistence in prayer.
Thank you, Father God, for hearing our prayers and engaging with everyone for your good and perfect will to be done.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for translating our prayers into a deeper form of intercession than we can fully understand.
Thank you for reminding us that supportive prayer for each other is key in standing our ground and holding fast in the unseen battle.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell