February 3, 2002

PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER

Ephesians 6:18

   "PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph. 6:18) follows immediately upon Paul's list of the whole armor of God. We conclude that believers in conflict are to be much in prayer, "praying always..."

   Israel 's history gives an example of the connection between our spiritual conflict and prayer. To Joshua the word was "go fight," but to Moses, the word was "go pray." Thus from the hill top overlooking the battle, "When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but "when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy...," so Moses sat on a stone and Aaron and Hur helped hold his hands uplifted to God so that "Joshua discomfited Amalek" (Ex. 17:8-13). What a picture of fellowship in prayer and victorious outcome!

   Praying is like preaching, for Paul wrote, "Preach the word, in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). And God was his witness "that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers..." ( Rom. 1:9). Again, "Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing" was his counsel to the Thessalonians. But for what do we pray? And for what purpose?

   In praying we do not argue with God. Neither do we try to get our way. We cannot try to "change God's mind," nor will any prayer be answered contrary to His will. Prayer gives us access to God, fellow-ship with Him, and insight into His purposes. It sends us out with less worry and anxiety and with greater patience and more sympathy.

   God answers prayer because He wishes His children to share His secrets and to trust Him, but never do we alter His plans. Our prayer should be like David who said, "Do as Thou has said," after God had promised to establish His kingdom in David's seed (2 Samuel 7:25).

   We are invited to pray for both spiritual and physical well being and blessing. For "all saints (church), and for me (an individual)" (6:19). Paul's ministry came first, but then he said that Tychicus would also tell of "my affairs and how I do." As for the Philippians, so for us, "Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication... let your requests be made known unto God...His peace...will guard our hearts" (Phil. 4:6-7). Whatever concerns us concerns God!

Ivan L. Burgener