PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER – A KEY VERSE (Ephesians 6:18)

Ephesians, Expository, Letters of Paul, New Testament

EPHESIANS 6:18 – PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER – A KEY VERSE

Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV) – praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

  • Sidlow Baxter – “…Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons — but they are helpless against our prayers.”
  • Ephesians 6:18 is a key verse for us to consider. What is the context of this verse (Ephesians 6:10-17) and why is this verse so important?

FREQUENCY OF PRAYER – ALWAYS

  • Continual prayer is a Biblical principal. Psalm 55:17, Acts 6:4, 2 Timothy 1:3
  • Read Philippians 4:6 – “In everything by prayer…” – What are some of the specific situations that should find us in prayer? Think creatively as you answer this question.
  • Think of frequent prayer as staying in touch with headquarters. Luke 18:1

FULLNESS OF PRAYER – ALL

  • Let’s not be like our friends who only contact us when they want something.
  • The word “prayer” here is a general word that includes more than just asking for things.
  • Prayer is to include praise or worship. Psalm 47:6-7, Psalm 96:1-2, Psalm 84:1-2 (ESV)
  • Notice another part of prayer is thanksgiving. When we come to God in prayer, we are to come with thankful hearts. Psalm 107:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • In two minutes, let’s name as many things as possible for which we are thankful.
  • Prayer includes “supplication” or “petition”.
  1. Physical needs – “Give us this day our daily bread…”
  2. We can ask for guidance. James 1:5
  3. We can and should ask for forgiveness. Psalm 32:5
  4. We can pray for healing. James 5:13-16
  5. We can pray for Spiritual health. Colossians 4:12-13

FORCE OF PRAYER – IN THE SPIRIT

  • We are to pray “in the Spirit”, our prayers under His influence and control. Jude 20-21
  • The Holy Spirit knows what to pray when we don’t. Romans 8:26-27

FOCUS OF PRAYER – WATCHING FOR ALL SAINTS

  • Christians are to be on the alert. Watching and prayer go together. As I am alert to what is going on around me, I will know how to pray. Nehemiah 4:7-9, 1 Peter 4:7 (ESV)
  • What are the common ways that most of us pray for other Christians?
  • Think of how the Lord’s Prayer can be prayer for other Christians.
  • We should watch for the Spiritual needs of other Christians, including the prayers in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 2 Thessalonians.

FAITHFULNESS OF PRAYER – PERSEVERANCE

  • We are not to pray with vain, empty repetition. However, God wants us to “hang in there” until He chooses to send the answer.
  • A classic parable on persistent prayer is found in Luke 18:1-8.