As You Go: Pray

The Warrior's Prayer: Finding Strength in Spiritual Connection

Prayer isn't just a quiet moment with folded hands—it's one of your most powerful weapons in life's daily battles. When Paul wrote to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae, he understood something profound about prayer that many of us miss: prayer connects us to resources far beyond our human limitations.

The Invisible Battle Around Us

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds us that our struggle isn't against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. You're not just dealing with difficult people or challenging circumstances—there's a deeper, unseen reality at work. This insight transforms how we approach prayer. It's not merely about asking for help with the visible issues but recognizing the invisible forces that shape our world.

Your Prayer Arsenal

Paul doesn't just identify the battle—he equips you for it. Ephesians 6:18-20 shows us that prayer isn't an afterthought but essential armor:

"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."

Notice how Paul emphasizes persistence ("always keep on praying"), variety ("all kinds of prayers"), and selflessness (praying for others). Even as an apostle, Paul knew he needed prayer support—a humbling reminder that no one outgrows their need for prayer.

The Watchful Heart

In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul adds another dimension: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." The word "watchful" suggests an alertness, like a guard who doesn't doze at their post. How often have your prayers become routine or sleepy? Paul encourages you to pray with awakened senses, noticing God's movements and being quick to offer thanks.

He also repeats his request for prayer for his ministry: "Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." Your prayers can open doors for God's work in the world.

Praying for Spiritual Growth

Perhaps most beautiful is Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-14. Here, he shows you what to pray for those you love:

"We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience..."

Rather than focusing only on physical needs or comfort, Paul prays for deep spiritual transformation. When was the last time you prayed for someone to be filled with God's wisdom or strengthened for endurance?

Making It Personal

These passages reveal prayer as active, alert, persistent, and transformative. They show prayer as both a shield of protection and a way to advance God's purposes. Consider how your prayer life might change if you approached it with this warrior mindset:

What unseen battles might you be facing that need spiritual rather than physical solutions?

How consistently do you pray? Could "always" and "devoted" describe your prayer life?

What do you typically pray for others? Are you bold enough to pray for open doors and spiritual growth?

The privilege of prayer is that it connects your limited resources to God's unlimited power. In your darkest moments, remember that through prayer, you're never truly fighting alone.

Like Paul, we all need the support and strength that comes through prayer. Whether you're facing personal struggles or supporting others through theirs, these ancient words remind us that prayer isn't just talking to the ceiling—it's tapping into the ultimate source of wisdom, power, and love.

Blessings,

Donna