Pray in the Spirit – on all occasion – with all kinds of prayers –for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18   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.

This climactic prayer exhortation from the Apostle Paul is a sobering call to the lifestyle of relational prayer. Paul does not mince his words when he calls us, as Christian people, to constant prayer.

First, our prayers are to be formed and inspired in close relationship and dependency on the Holy Spirit.  We always need God to be able to do God’s work.  Prayer is the first work of God’s people and we need the Spirit to inspire and lead us.  He does not make it difficult.  Simply, slow down, quiet your heart, ask for His help.  “Oh, Lord Spirit guide my prayers.  Guide my thinking and imagination.  Bring to my mind the Word of God you want me to found my prayers on.”  Let all your prayer life be first and foremost an interaction with God by His Spirit. Quiet your heart, ask, listen, pray.

Then make time to pray for all of them, in all the ways they need to be prayed for.  These seasons, moments and hours are to be a part of your whole day.  Be prepared at any point in your day to turn aside in your soul and release the will of the King by your prayers.

Some of your brothers and sisters need a blessing. Some need a legal battle of intercession waged at the mercy seat of heaven, by the blood of the lamb.  Some of your dear ones need the constant petition of your heart until they receive the justice they are crying out for.  Some of your family need a time of quiet listening until the King of Heaven reveals to your heart just what He needs you to agree with Him about.

These seasons, these moments, these impassioned hours need to happen all day long in the midst of every aspect of our lives.  You and I are the conduit of God’s power and life by our prayers.  So, let’s get plugged in and let’s pray.