Any athlete will tell you preparation is the key to success. Practice and hard work, along with properly maintained equipment, are the foundation for victory. Within the body of Christ, we each have a responsibility to prepare ourselves through earnest prayer (Ephesians 6:18) and to maintain and use our equipment, the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11).

Preparation: Earnest and Unceasing Prayer

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

First, the Apostle Paul tells us to pray “always.” When I read this verse, I find myself asking, “How can anyone pray always?” I have a busy life. I have kids, a wife, full time job, and my pastoral responsibilities. Where does prayer fit in beyond a few minutes each morning and evening? As if knowing my doubts, Paul reiterates his exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when he says, “Pray without ceasing.” To me, praying without ceasing means we are not to allow disobedience or rebelliousness to separate us from Him. This allows us the opportunity to call upon Him anywhere at any time. If we have sinned, we immediately ask for forgiveness. If we see someone hurting, we intercede on their behalf without hesitation. We are ready “always” to reach out to Him.

Secondly, Paul tells us to pray “with all prayer and supplication.” Anything that troubles us, we are to bring before God without hesitation. The enemy desires for us to feel unworthy to call upon our Lord for assistance, but 1 Peter 5:7 states, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Don’t make our loving Father your last resort but call upon Him first and He will hear you. In the book, The Battle Plan for Prayer, the author writes, “So in prayer, there’s no need for any secrets. There’s perfect honesty, perfect freedom, perfect forgiveness, and perfect confidence.”

Finally, Paul tells us to persevere in prayer. When we pray, we are to do so with the expectation our Father hears us and will answer (1 John 5:14, 15). If we truly believe He hears us, we will keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking (Luke 11:9-13).

Reflection:

• Why is prayer important when equipping individuals to serve in the body of Christ?
• Do you believe it is possible to pray “always?” Why or why not? Do you pray “always?”
• Do you go to God first when you face difficulty, or is He a last resort? Why or why not?
• Do you continue to seek God through prayer even if He doesn’t answer right away?
• What is the last prayer God has answered for you? How long did you persevere until you received His answer?