The Weapon of Prayer

Prayer can be such a powerful tool in our lives, but it can often go underutilized. We sometimes don’t recognize its power and rely on our own ways of dealing with difficult situations, when in contrast, it should be our first thought—our go-to action—when life spins out of control. Prayer is our lifeline to the most powerful, all-knowing, loving Father, who knows your situation better than you do and is waiting for your voice. Let’s use that privilege now and pray…

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for who You are and for placing me where I am. You are Sovereign over everything in this world. I trust You have a good plan for my life, and that You know everything going on in the world today. Thank You for Jesus and for allowing me access to Your Throne room. Remind me to seek You always and protect me with Your armor! Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-13, 18-20 (NLT)

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. ¹⁹ And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. ²⁰ I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Our fight is against an unseen spiritual world, and God has given us weapons to fight against our enemy. Prayer is one of those weapons that gives us direct communication with God.

Knowing that God’s armor is available to all who believe, does that change how you approach life when difficult or challenging situations arise?

It’s comforting for me to know that whatever I face in this life, Jesus has already overcome. He has never left me on my own and has given me what I need to defeat temptation and any sort of evil that may come against me. Without any spiritual weapons, I would be helpless, but all I need is to ask God for my daily needs and know that His powerful Word is always with me.

Verse 18 says, tells us to pray “on every occasion.” How would you describe your prayer life? Do you pray at all times and on every occasion?

I know for myself, prayer is not always my immediate thought. I often try to figure things out on my own or even go so far as not wanting to “bother God” with my problems. But that is the completely wrong approach to our Heavenly Father. Let me just say: “You cannot exhaust God!”

This also reinforces the importance of persistence in our prayers. It’s easier to be impatient wanting instant-gratification instead of waiting on God’s timing. God, however, works differently and even asks us to talk to Him over and over, much like the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8).

Verse 19 continues, “Pray for me too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.*

The man who wrote many letters in the New Testament, often placing his life on the line for Jesus, was asking for prayers of boldness. Wow! Even a great missionary like Paul needed help with boldness! How encouraging that we, too, can ask for the same boldness that Paul needed, and God hears us and provides for us. Prayer fuels our witness to the people God has placed in our lives. This makes you an “God’s ambassador.”

What does being an ambassador for God look like in your life? What patterns of living reflect God? What do not?

Your actions, language, demeanor, and attitude are always on display and represent God. Do everything to honor Him!

Take a few minutes now and thank God for instant access to His Spirit. He truly knows you and wants to spend time with you. Seek Him throughout your day and trust that He will provide for your needs. He is a good Father who will never leave you and wants to be invited into your day. Take the time needed to meet Him there.

I pray that you take time out of your day to talk and listen to God. Even if things are going great, thank Him for that. Tell Him how amazing He is and ask Him to show you how to further His Kingdom here on earth. Amen.