And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:18-20 NIV)
In his letter to the Church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul encourages them in their prayer lives. This portion of Scripture concludes the passage in Ephesians 6:10-20 regarding the full armor of God, which we’ve been examining over recent weeks. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we should pray frequently and persistently (“on all occasions”), in a manner that is sincere and natural (“with all kinds of prayers and requests”), following the leading of the Holy Spirit (“in the Spirit”) and maintaining alertness (be alert).
Then, he made a personal request of the Ephesians…that they would pray for him, so that he would be able to do the work that the Lord had asked him to do.
About ten years ago, I physically deteriorated such that I was no longer able to work outside of my home as I had done for years. In the beginning of that season of life, I really thought that I had lost my value, purpose or usefulness. I knew I trusted God wholeheartedly, but none of my circumstances made any sense to me in those days. I didn’t realize it at the time, but God was about to do something in my life that would change me forever, even while my physical condition was less than ideal.
In those days, I began to discover the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV), which says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What I didn’t realize at first was that I had naturally developed an attitude of prayerfulness. I spent a lot of time “alone”, so it became natural for me to talk to God as I went about my daily activities…sometimes aloud, sometimes silently, but either way, I knew He heard me. Also, I experienced Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV), which says, “‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” As I called to Him in prayer, He did exactly as He had promised…He spoke to me. I’ve never heard the audible voice of God, but He did speak to me in His still, small voice –whispering to me with words of encouragement, guidance, and sometimes even discipline. In experiencing this newfound closeness with my heavenly Father, I also live in peace like never before. He’s right there with me, I know I can trust Him and He will help me through any situation that I have to face.
He speaks to me in other ways as well, such as through His Word, other people, nature, or my daily surroundings and events. My family and friends see me as special and that is a real blessing in my life. However, when I speak of hearing from God, it is not because I am special. I’m just a woman who loves Jesus…nothing more, nothing less. The fact that God speaks to me is entirely about Him, and Him being true to His word. In Jeremiah 33:3 and many other Scriptures, God tells us that He will speak to us, and that as His sheep, we will know His voice. I encourage you to be alert, and listen for Him to speak to you as well.
In those days when I was feeling so useless, I shared my feelings with my best friend. She gently reminded me that I did have a purpose. She encouraged me that I could do many things, despite by physical weakness. I could pray for other’s needs, including those doing the work of God’s Kingdom. The Apostle Paul refers to being an “ambassador.” The Lord may never call us to be “ambassadors” for Him, as Paul was. But, if we are willing for the Lord to use us in this way, we can “partner” with those who are called to be ambassadors, by committing to praying for them. In so doing, we are bringing them before the Lord, and in principle…helping to lift their arms as Aaron and Hur did for Moses when the battle got difficult. So, even if we are not physically representing Jesus, when we are offering up prayer support for those who are, we are laborers in His service that are fulfilling a different and essential role…”We’re On the Same Team!”
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me life and purpose. Thank you for guiding me every step of the way through life. Thank you making it possible for me to come prayerfully into Your presence through Your Son, Jesus. Please help me to see You, and to know Your presence in my life every day. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
